Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Global Market Sentiment
U.S. economic data wsj.com boosted global market sentiment even as the Senate approved attacks against Iran amid escalating Middle East conflict. Asian equities rebounded bloomberg.com as markets regained composure following surge in volatility sparked by Middle East tensions. Mainland Chinese investors bloomberg.com sold a record $3.5 billion of Hong Kong stocks, underscoring waning appetite for the city's shares seen as more vulnerable to geopolitical uncertainty.
Middle East Impact
The U.S. sinking of an Iranian warship risks straining US-India ties bloomberg.com after the vessel participated in naval drills in India. Indian automakers bloomberg.com are delaying shipments to Middle East and North Africa as escalating regional tensions upend sea routes and drive up freight costs. Bangladesh is preparing bloomberg.com to reduce deliveries to petrol pumps as the country tries to stretch existing reserves amid escalating Middle East conflict.
European Market Moves
European stocks edged lower investing.com as ongoing Middle East conflict saps confidence. Rentokil shares jumped 12% investing.com as North America growth lifts 2025 results. Admiral Group earnings beat investing.com drove shares up. Amplifon slumped investing.com after Q4 miss and scrapped 2026 quantitative guidance. Ibstock slid investing.com after full-year results point to softer 2026 outlook.
UK Market Developments
Britain's housebuilding slowdown bloomberg.com deepened in February, PMI shows. UK stocks and pound fell investing.com as Middle East tensions remain in focus. Ladbrokes owner Entain ft.com blames losses on UK Budget tax increases, taking unexpectedly large £488mn impairment charge in annual results. Taylor Wimpey met profit guidance investing.com and shifts payout structure.
Corporate News
Campari shares rose wsj.com as investors toast upbeat guidance. The group behind Aperol aperitif, Courvoisier cognac and Wild Turkey bourbon said it would keep investing to boost sales growth. Coats Group lifted margin targets investing.com and shares rose after 2025 results meet forecasts. Elekta Q3 net profit slumped investing.com as FX and restructuring charge hit earnings.
Energy & Commodities
Oil prices rose investing.com amid Iran conflict. South Africa's finance minister bloomberg.com sounds alarm over oil spike, warning sustained higher prices may fuel inflation. Nigeria emerges as winner bloomberg.com while Congo has most to lose from oil at $85. Southeast Asian governments wsj.com are on alert for economic impact of Iran crisis.
Leadership Changes
Primark got permanent CEO wsj.com as owner ABF looks to steady ship. Eoin Tonge, who has served as interim Primark CEO since last year, takes reins at a time when retailer faces sluggish sales. Rentokil Initial reported higher revenue wsj.com amid leadership transition. The pest-control, hygiene and workwear-services provider's revenue climbed 2.6% organically in 2025.