Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 4:38 AM ET
Energy & Commodities
The dollar advanced to a fresh 2026 high bloomberg.com as options markets showed the most bullish positioning since 2022, with elevated energy prices from the Iran conflict driving demand for safe-haven assets. German 10-year yields climbed to their highest since October 2023 bloomberg.com as bonds fell for a second day, with rising energy prices from the Iran war fueling inflation fears across Europe. European natural gas followed oil higher bloomberg.com as shipping turmoil expanded in the Middle East, with markets preparing for disruptions to continue for months, while global bonds erased their 2026 gains bloomberg.com as elevated oil prices stoked fears of reigniting inflation. A sharp energy shock from the Iran conflict extended a slide in Indian equities bloomberg.com and pushed the rupee to record lows as foreign investors remained defensive.
Automotive Sector
Honda Motor expects a charge of up to $15.7 billion wsj.com as it reassesses its electric vehicle strategy, canceling launches and development of certain models in response to a slowdown in North America's EV market. The Japanese automaker's massive writedown mirrors similar challenges bloomberg.com facing global brands amid rapidly shifting consumer preferences. BMW faces pressure on earnings wsj.com from tariffs and costs, with the German manufacturer expecting profitability to stay roughly flat this year due to intensifying competition in China and rising industry costs. Daimler Truck reported a 29% drop wsj.com in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, reflecting declines in key markets despite growing order intake.
Banking & Financial Services
Deutsche Bank raised its bonus pool by 6.6% bloomberg.com for last year, a more conservative increase than some Wall Street peers amid mixed performance across its business units. The German lender disclosed a £600 million legal claim ft.com in London's High Court from ex-bankers suing over a probe that led to Italian convictions. In contrast, John Lewis paid its first annual bonus ft.com to staff in four years, offering a 2% payout after cutting other staff benefits including its final salary pension in recent years. Standard Bank Group reported record profit bloomberg.com as Africa's biggest lender benefited from a growing client base that bolstered fee and commission income.
Defense & Energy Investment
Leonardo targeted higher revenue and earnings wsj.com as the defense order boom continues, with orders expected to rise to about 25 billion euros this year from 23.8 billion euros reached in 2025. RWE planned to invest heavily wsj.com in the U.S. over the next five years under a $40 billion investment strategy to grow earnings and shareholder returns. South Korea approved a $350 billion investment package ft.com for U.S. industries through a special bill that will establish a fund to allocate capital as part of a broader trade deal. The Middle East energy shock revived interest in nuclear power ft.com as surging gas prices prompt reconsideration of prior opposition.
Market Developments
Stocks and the pound came under pressure bloomberg.com as the rise in oil extended, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East creating volatility across global markets. Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy discussed the global energy crisis bloomberg.com with U.S. officials in Florida, highlighting the complex international dynamics surrounding the conflict. Italian insurer Generali posted a 12% increase wsj.com in net profit for 2025 to €4.17 billion, proposing a dividend of €1.64 per share as growth across multiple segments bolstered performance. Hong Kong authorities arrested hedge fund and brokerage staff ft.com in connection with a $300 million insider trading probe, alleging brokers accepted bribes for information on share placements.