Public health advocates say more transparency needed in debate over illicit tobacco as industry links questioned
Public health advocates are calling for more transparency in debates over illicit tobacco, citing concerns about industry influence. They question links between the tobacco industry and policy discussions.
Why this matters: Increased transparency could lead to more effective public health policies and reduced industry interference.
France’s Engie strikes deal to buy UK Power Networks for £10.5bn
French energy company Engie has agreed to acquire UK Power Networks for £10.5 billion. This deal expands Engie's presence in the UK energy distribution market.
Why this matters: This acquisition could reshape competition in the UK's energy distribution sector.
John Lewis scraps £500m deal to build 1,000 rental homes
John Lewis has canceled a £500 million plan to build 1,000 rental homes. The decision halts a major residential development project.
Why this matters: This reduces planned housing supply in the UK rental market.
HSBC bankers to share $3.9bn bonus pot, the highest in more than a decade
HSBC will distribute $3.9 billion in bonuses to its bankers, the largest payout in over ten years. This reflects the bank's recent financial performance.
Why this matters: This indicates strong compensation trends in the banking sector.
US datacenters face slew of problems amid grassroots protests against AI
US data centers are experiencing operational challenges due to community protests against AI development. The protests reflect growing public concerns about AI infrastructure.
Why this matters: Community opposition could delay AI infrastructure projects and increase operational costs for technology companies.
Oil prices hit seven-month highs as tensions rise before US-Iran talks
Oil prices have reached their highest level in seven months amid escalating tensions before US-Iran negotiations. Geopolitical uncertainty is driving market volatility.
Why this matters: Higher oil prices increase costs for transportation, manufacturing, and energy-dependent industries globally.
Trump threatens ‘more powerful and obnoxious’ tariffs, amid confusion in UK and EU; Wall Street drops – as it happened
Former President Trump threatened increased tariffs, creating uncertainty in UK and EU markets. Wall Street declined during the trading session.
Why this matters: Trade policy uncertainty can disrupt international supply chains and business planning.
Stock markets stumble as global trade faces more Trump tariff uncertainty
Global stock markets declined amid renewed uncertainty about potential Trump administration tariffs. Trade tensions contributed to market volatility.
Why this matters: Market volatility affects investment portfolios and corporate valuations.
Wegovy and Ozempic owner dealt blow as next-gen weight-loss drug is labelled ‘obsolete’
Novo Nordisk's next-generation weight-loss drug was labeled obsolete by analysts. The company faces challenges in its pharmaceutical pipeline.
Why this matters: Pipeline setbacks can impact pharmaceutical companies' future revenue streams.
Lamborghini pulls plug on plans to launch all-electric supercar
Lamborghini has canceled plans to launch an all-electric supercar. The company has not provided specific reasons for this decision.
Why this matters: This reflects strategic shifts in the automotive industry regarding electric vehicle development and market readiness.
Trump’s trade war risks undermining his hopes of hefty US interest rate cuts | Graeme Wearden
Analysis suggests potential US trade policies could complicate Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. This may affect the timing and magnitude of monetary policy adjustments.
Why this matters: Businesses and markets rely on predictable monetary policy for planning and investment decisions.
China overtakes US as Germany’s top trading partner
China has become Germany's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. This shift reflects changing global trade dynamics.
Why this matters: Companies with supply chains or markets in Europe may need to reassess their trade strategies.
‘It’s a ticking timebomb’: food producers sound alarm on rise in energy charges
Food producers are warning that rising energy costs pose a significant threat to their operations. They describe the situation as an urgent problem.
Why this matters: Higher production costs could lead to increased consumer prices for food items.
High energy prices threaten UK’s status as manufacturing power, business groups say
UK business groups report that sustained high energy prices risk damaging the country's manufacturing competitiveness. This could impact its industrial standing.
Why this matters: Manufacturers may face pressure on margins or consider relocating operations.
Ukraine accuses Hungary, Slovakia of blackmail in energy row
Ukraine accuses Hungary and Slovakia of blackmail over threats to cut energy supplies unless Russian oil flows resume. The dispute centers on the Druzhba pipeline.
Why this matters: This escalates regional energy security tensions, potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for European businesses.
MARA Buys 64% of Exaion, Deepening Move Into AI Infrastructure
MARA Holdings has acquired a 64% stake in French computing infrastructure operator Exaion. The deal was first agreed upon in August 2025.
Why this matters: This acquisition expands MARA's capabilities in AI infrastructure, reflecting strategic investment in high-growth technology sectors.
Trump says he will increase his new global tariffs to 15%
Former President Trump announced he will increase his proposed new global tariffs from 10% to 15%. This follows previous tariffs being ruled unlawful.
Why this matters: Higher proposed tariffs could increase costs for importers and exporters, affecting global trade flows and pricing.
Don’t be fooled by recent good news, the UK economy is still in a precarious state
The UK economy remains in a precarious state despite recent positive indicators. This assessment suggests underlying vulnerabilities persist.
Why this matters: Businesses and policymakers must consider structural weaknesses when making long-term plans, not just short-term improvements.
Stock markets rally and US dollar dips after supreme court rules against Trump’s sweeping tariffs; Hat-trick of good UK economic news – as it happened
Stock markets rose and the US dollar fell after a Supreme Court ruling against Trump-era tariffs. The UK also reported positive economic news.
Why this matters: Court decisions on trade policy can influence market movements and currency valuations.
Brighter UK economy gives Reeves a springboard for March statement
Improved UK economic conditions provide Chancellor Rachel Reeves with a favorable backdrop for an upcoming fiscal statement.
Why this matters: Stronger economic data may shape government budget and policy announcements.