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.
Aston Martin issues another profit warning and sells F1 naming rights for £50m
Aston Martin issued another profit warning and sold Formula 1 naming rights for £50 million.
Why this matters: Profit warnings signal financial challenges, while asset sales can provide liquidity.
Art and antiques help lift retail sales in Great Britain to biggest monthly rise since 2024
UK retail sales saw their largest monthly increase since 2024, boosted by art and antiques.
Why this matters: Retail sales data indicates consumer spending trends and economic activity.
France and Germany agreed to build the fighter jet of the future. Now they can’t agree who is in charge
France and Germany are experiencing disagreements over leadership roles in their joint future fighter jet program. The project continues despite these management disputes.
Why this matters: Leadership conflicts in major defense collaborations can delay timelines and increase costs for participating nations.
UK manufacturing still beset by low orders and price pressure, says CBI
A UK business survey indicates the manufacturing sector continues to face weak order volumes and competitive pricing pressure.
Why this matters: It signals ongoing challenges for UK industrial output and potential impacts on employment and investment.
Oil prices rise amid fears of US strikes on Iran – as it happened
Oil prices increased due to market concerns about potential US military action against Iran.
Why this matters: Higher oil prices can increase costs for transportation, manufacturing, and consumers globally.
Airbus suggests split solution for Europe’s faltering fighter jet programme
Airbus has proposed a split solution for Europe's struggling fighter jet program. This addresses ongoing delays and coordination challenges in the multinational project.
Why this matters: This could impact defense procurement timelines and contractor relationships across European nations.
MPs in call to halt Drax’s £2m-a-day subsidy over sustainability doubts
UK MPs are calling to halt Drax's £2 million daily subsidy due to sustainability concerns. The biomass energy company faces scrutiny over its environmental claims.
Why this matters: This could affect Drax's revenue stream and influence renewable energy subsidy policies.
Trump’s immigration siege is rattling hospitality industry, workers say
Hospitality industry workers report that Trump's immigration policies are causing operational disruptions. The policies are creating workforce challenges for businesses.
Why this matters: This highlights how immigration policy changes can directly impact business operations and labor availability.
‘By the end of the day we’re just knackered’: business booms for UK’s south Asian jewellers as gold prices soar
UK south Asian jewellers are experiencing increased business as gold prices rise significantly. The high demand is leading to long working hours for staff.
Why this matters: This shows how commodity price increases can drive retail activity and affect business workloads.
March cut to UK interest rates more likely after inflation drops to 10-month low; London house prices fall – as it happened
UK inflation dropped to a 10-month low, making an interest rate cut in March more likely. London house prices have also fallen.
Why this matters: Lower inflation increases the probability of reduced borrowing costs, which affects mortgages and business loans.
As real wage growth falls again, Australian workers must feel the economy is rigged against them | Greg Jericho
Australian real wage growth has declined again, continuing a trend of falling purchasing power for workers. This contributes to perceptions of economic inequality.
Why this matters: Sustained wage stagnation can reduce consumer spending power and affect economic sentiment.
Miner Glencore to give $2bn to shareholders despite profit slump
Miner Glencore plans to return $2 billion to shareholders despite a decline in profits. This decision reflects the company's capital allocation priorities.
Why this matters: It signals how companies balance shareholder returns against operational performance.
UK inflation falls to 3%, boosting hopes of early cut in interest rates
UK inflation decreased to 3%, reaching the Bank of England's target. This development increases expectations for a reduction in interest rates.
Why this matters: Lower inflation can lead to reduced borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.
Goldman Sachs to drop race, gender and LGBTQ+ criteria from board evaluations
Goldman Sachs will remove race, gender, and LGBTQ+ criteria from its board evaluation process. The change follows legal scrutiny of diversity policies.
Why this matters: This may influence how other corporations structure their governance and diversity initiatives.
UK interest rate cut likely in March as unemployment rate rises; youth joblessness to ‘increase significantly’ in coming months – as it happened
UK unemployment has risen, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate cut by the Bank of England in March. Youth unemployment is expected to rise significantly.
Why this matters: Lower interest rates could reduce borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.