Public Markets 3h Briefing
×European Market Turmoil
European stocks investing.com edged lower as the Middle East conflict sapped investor confidence. DHL shares investing.com fell after the company's 2026 profit outlook only met expectations. FTSE 100 investing.com declined as UK stocks and the pound weakened amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Middle East Conflict Impact
7IM co-CIO Shanti Kelemen bloomberg.com said markets aren't pricing in Iran war risk yet, noting it won't be reflected "until we get another week or two" into the conflict. Treasury yields bloomberg.com climbed to a three-week high as inflation fears grew, with rising crude oil prices due to the Iran war adding to concerns about accelerating inflation.
Asian Market Response
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung bloomberg.com highlighted the nation's 100 trillion won ($68.2 market stabilization program as Seoul grappled with historic volatility tied to the escalating conflict. South Korea ft.com led a rebound from the market rout after the Iran attack, with stocks recovering some losses following the activation of the stabilization fund.
Corporate Developments
Entain ft.com took an unexpectedly large £488 million impairment charge in annual results, blaming losses on UK Budget tax increases. Momenta bloomberg.com, the GM-backed driverless tech firm, has confidentially filed for an IPO in Hong Kong. Elekta investing.com reported that Q3 net profit slumped as foreign exchange and restructuring charges hit earnings.
Commodities and Crypto
Bitcoin investing.com traded above $72,000, leading a broader crypto rally as risk appetite improved. Endeavour Mining wsj.com reported earnings boosted by higher gold prices, with total shareholder returns expected to more than double the company's minimum commitment at prevailing gold prices.
Regional Economic News
China bloomberg.com set its lowest growth target since 1991, while India's bloomberg.com powerful state leader announced plans to resign, potentially boosting Modi's grip on power. Bangladesh bloomberg.com reported that energy stockpiles were affected by the Iran war, as Asian equities rebounded following a surge in volatility.
Individual Company Performance
WH Smith investing.com reported slower like-for-like growth in H1 amid UK softness, causing shares to slip. Taylor Wimpey investing.com met profit guidance and shifted its payout structure. Aviva investing.com beat capital generation targets while meeting profit expectations. PageGroup investing.com cut its dividend as the recruitment market remained tough.
Index Changes
Japanese chipmaker Kioxia Holdings bloomberg.com and Don Quijote discount store operator Pan Pacific International Holdings will join the Nikkei 225 stock index from April 1, according to Nikkei Inc.