The Dow Jones Index is picking up 330 points or 0.72 percent on Wednesday. Gains are led by Amazon (2.50%), Amgen (1.79%) and Boeing (1.77%). Biggest losers are Walt Disney (-0.74%), Verizon (-0.63%) and Home Depot (-0.62%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.72% Higher

The Ibovespa climbed nearly 2% to trade above 185,000 on Wednesday after reports hinted at a possible ceasefire in the US-Israel war against Iran, raising hopes for resumed Persian Gulf oil exports. The news pulled down international oil prices, easing energy-driven inflation concerns. Major banks traded higher: Bradesco and Banco do Brasil both up about 2%. Utilities posted gains, with Axia and Sabesp advancing nearly 2%. Other notable performers included Vale up 1.9%, Rede D'Or up 2.7%, and WEG up 3%. In contrast, lower oil prices and easing supply pressures drove Petrobras down over 1%.

Ibovespa Climbs on Iran Ceasefire Hopes

The S&P/TSX Composite Index surged over 1.5% to above the 32,400 mark on Wednesday as optimism for a diplomatic resolution in the Middle East fueled a broad-based rally. Financials led the charge with Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Montreal gaining around 1% as falling bond yields and easing energy-driven inflation fears supported the credit outlook. Gold miners also outperformed as Agnico Eagle Mines jumped over 4% and Kinross soared 4.5% amid a softer US dollar and firm bullion prices. Tech sentiment improved with Shopify rising more than 3.5% while Dollarama climbed 1.8% following a CIBC upgrade to outperformer. In contrast energy producers faced pressure from a 6% drop in crude oil prices with Suncor Energy and Imperial Oil falling close to 1%.

TSX Builds Strong Momentum

US equity indices were higher on Wednesday, extending this week's rebound amid signs that US officials are aiming to de-escalate their conflict against Iran. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq 100 gained more than 1%. Energy commodities trimmed their surge from this month and Treasuries rebounded on reports that Washington drafted a plan to halt fighting in the Middle East, supporting a softer outlook for inflation despite Iran's hawkish response. The pullback in benchmark bond yields supported risk bidding in Wall Street, with all sectors of stock exchanges, barred energy producers, moving higher. Asset managers remained in the spotlight as market reassessed risks of higher redemption requests on private equity funds, with Apollo, Ares, and KKR moving higher. Tech giants also gained, with ARM jumping 10% after announcing it plans to sell its own chips, while AMD and Intel rose 5% each after planning price hikes.

US Stocks Extend Rebound

Indian stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday, aligned with a positive session for global equities as signs that the US aims to de-escalate its conflict with Iran lowered oil prices and India's inflation outlook. The S&P/BSE Sensex rose 1.6% to 75,264 and the NSE Nifty 50 jumped 1.7% to 23,306. Reports indicated that the US proposed terms for a ceasefire with Iran, reflecting their aim to reintroduce energy exports from the region on concerns that an oil supply crunch may raise inflationary pressures. Industrial conglomerates and banks, which are sensitive to benchmark borrowing costs, led the gains with Titan Company, UltraTech, Larsen and Toubro, and Bajaj Finance jumping more than 4%. In turn, tech resumed its slide following the poor session for AI companies in the US, with Tech Mahindra and TCS closing firmly in the red.

Indian Stocks Rebound

The Canadian 10-year government bond yield fell below 3.5% after touching eight-month highs as signs of diplomatic de-escalation between the US and Iran triggered a rebound in global fixed-income markets. This downward correction followed a retreat in global yields amid reports that Washington drafted a 15-point proposal and sought a one-month ceasefire to resolve the conflict. WTI crude oil futures plummeted providing relief from recent stagflation fears despite Tehran’s denial of direct negotiations. While Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr suggested that rates may remain elevated to address persistent price pressures, the pullback in energy costs has prompted investors to reassess the immediate necessity for further tightening by the Fed and BoC. Domestically the yield remains influenced by 2026-27 fiscal estimates projecting $502.8 billion in spending though improved global sentiment has temporarily eased the supply side pressure on yields.

Canada 10-Year Bond Yield Retreats from 8-Month High

Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose on Wednesday, powered by hopes for resolving the month-old Iran conflict. Media reports indicated mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are arranging US-Iran talks by Thursday. Oil prices fell, easing energy-driven inflation concerns and lowering bond yields, which supported credit-sensitive sectors like Canadian banks. Lower energy prices could offer relief to central banks that have warned geopolitical tensions may revive inflation and complicate rate outlooks. Meanwhile, gold climbed on a softer US dollar, supporting miners. In other news, CIBC upgraded Dollarama to "outperformer" from "neutral," though it reduced the target price.

TSX Futures Rise on Iran Peace Talks Hopes

The United States current account deficit narrowed to a seasonally adjusted  $190.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025 from $239.1 billion in the previous period, marking the lowest deficit since the first quarter of 2021. The goods deficit narrowed to $241.5 billion from $265.9 billion, as imports contracted more than exports, reflecting the impact of tariffs from the US presidential administration. Additionally, the primary income balance swung to a surplus of $23.9 billion from the deficit of $2.5 billion. In the meantime, the services surplus inched lower to $81.4 billion from $86.5 billion and the secondary income deficit inched down to $54.6 billion from $57.2 billion. The gap reflected a current account deficit of 2.4% of the US GDP in the fourth quarter, narrowing from 3.1% in the third quarter.

US Current Account Gap at Lowest Since 2021

US export prices jumped 1.5% month-over-month in February 2026, far outpacing forecasts of 0.5% and marking the sharpest increase since May 2022. The rise was fueled by a 1.7% spike in nonagricultural exports, including industrial supplies, consumer goods, capital goods, and automotive products. Agricultural export prices also climbed 0.7%, led by higher costs for meat, soybeans, and vegetables, following a 0.2% gain in January. On a yearly basis, export prices climbed 3.5% in February.

US Export Prices Surge at Fastest Pace Since 2022

US import prices rose 1.3 percent in February 2026, the most since March 2022 and more than market expectations of 0.5%. Fuel and lubricant import prices climbed 3.8 percent after falling 1.2 percent in January, led by a 2.5 percent rise in petroleum products and a 24.7 percent jump in natural gas. Nonfuel imports increased 1.1 percent, up from 0.8 percent in January, supported by higher costs for capital goods, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, consumer goods excluding autos, foods, feeds, beverages, and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines. On an annual basis, US import prices rose 1.3 percent, the largest year-on-year gain since February 2025.

US Import Prices Rise the Most since 2022

SASX 10 increased to 1584.00 Index Points, the highest since March 2009. Over the past 4 weeks, Sarajevo Stock Exchange Index 10 gained 1.99%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 18.97%.

Stocks in Bosnia And Herzegovina Hit 17-year High

Futures tracking US equities were sharply higher on Wednesday, extending the rebound this week amid signs that US officials are aiming to de-escalate their conflict against Iran. Contracts for the three main indices were over 1% higher. Energy commodities trimmed their surge from this month and Treasuries rebounded on reports that Washington drafted a plan to halt fighting in the Middle East, supporting a softer outlook for inflation despite Iran's hawkish response. The pullback in benchmark bond yields supported risk bidding in Wall Street, with pre-market gains noted in all sectors but energy producers. Asset managers were sharply higher as traders reassessed risks from the wave of recent redemption requests on flagship private equity funds, with Apollo, Ares, and KKR adding 1.5% shortly. In the meantime, Merck was slightly higher after agreeing to buy Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion.

US Futures Hold Upswing

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s annual inflation eased to 3.3% in February 2026 from 3.6% in the previous month, marking the lowest reading since March 2025. Price growth slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.9% vs 4.6% in January), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.1% vs 3.6%), restaurants and hotels (6.7% vs 7.2%), and recreation and culture (4.6% vs 5.0%). Meanwhile, costs increased for housing and utilities (8.3% vs 7.1%), furnishings and household equipment (2.0% vs 1.7%), health (6.2% vs 6.0%), and education (3.4% vs 3.3%), while prices for communication stood at 1.5%, unchanged from the previous month. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.5%, following a 0.9% increase in the preceding period.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Inflation Slows to 11-Month Low

Brent crude oil futures dropped more than 6% to $98 per barrel on Wednesday as US diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran gained traction, overshadowing reports of additional troop deployments and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US reportedly drafted a 15-point plan delivered to Iran via Pakistan to help resolve the conflict, while around 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to the region to support security at the vital waterway. Iran signaled little willingness to compromise, firing missiles at Israel and ruling out ceasefire talks, while allowing some foreign ships to transit the strait under restrictions. The crisis has intensified global energy pressures, with Chevron warning of a potential California fuel crisis, hundreds of fuel shortages reported in Australia, the Philippines declaring a national energy emergency, and Asian nations reportedly hoarding jet fuel.

Brent Crude Oil Falls on US Diplomatic Push

WTI crude oil futures dropped more than 6% to $86.8 per barrel on Wednesday as US diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran gained traction, overshadowing reports of additional troop deployments and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US reportedly drafted a 15-point plan delivered to Iran via Pakistan to help resolve the conflict, while around 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to the region to support security at the vital waterway. Iran signaled little willingness to compromise, firing missiles at Israel and ruling out ceasefire talks, while allowing some foreign ships to transit the strait under restrictions. The crisis has intensified global energy pressures, with Chevron warning of a potential California fuel crisis, hundreds of fuel shortages reported in Australia, the Philippines declaring a national energy emergency, and Asian nations reportedly hoarding jet fuel.

Oil Falls on US Diplomatic Push

Mortgage applications sank by 10.5% from the previous week on the period ending March 20th, extending the 10.9% decline from the previous week, according to data compiled by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The slump was in line with the increase in benchmark mortgage rates, which that on a 30-year fixed mortgage reaching a five-month high of 6.43%. Borrowing costs tracked the surge in long-dated Treasury yields after the outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf suspended energy exports and drove Federal Reserve Policymakers to trim their outlook of rate cuts this year. Applications for a contract to refinance a mortgage, which are more sensitive to short-term changes in interest rates, sank by 15%. In turn, applications for a mortgage to buy a home fell 5%.

US Mortgage Applications Slump for 2nd Week

Brazil's seasonally adjusted FGV-IBRE Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.0 points to 88.1 in March 2026, its highest level since December 2025. The gain was driven by improved expectations for the coming months. The Expectations Index jumped 3.4 points to 92.1, with household future financial situation rising 6.5 points to 89.4 and future local economic situation advancing 1.8 points to 105.5, both reaching December 2025 highs. Planned durable goods purchases rose 1.1 points to 82.8. The Current Situation Index fell 0.3 points to 83.2, as current local economic situation declined 1.4 points to 94.7, though current household financial situation rose 0.8 points to 72.1. Confidence improved across most income groups except those earning over R$9,600. On a three-month moving average, confidence fell 0.3 points to 87.2.

Brazil's Consumer Confidence Hits 3-Month High

Aluminum futures in the UK held below $3,250 per tonne, pulling back from a near four-year peak reached on March 12th as traders assess supply developments and demand prospects. Production has risen in some regions, with Alvance British Aluminium boosting output at its Lochaber smelter by about 10% following US tariff changes. Global inventories are now above 1.3 million tons, the highest since 2020, underscoring ample supply. On the demand side, China’s imports have fallen despite a 3% increase in domestic production during the first two months of the year. Still, the downside for prices remains limited due to supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, a region responsible for around 9% of global supply. Bahrain’s Alba, the world’s largest single-site aluminum producer, shutdown 19% of its 1.6 million tonne-a-year production capacity while Qatalum reduced operations. Adding further uncertainty, Guinea is actively considering introducing bauxite export quotas.

Aluminum Retreats from Near 4-Year High

The average US 30-year fixed mortgage rate for conforming loans of $806,500 or less climbed to 6.43% for the week ending March 20, 2026, its highest level since early October and the third straight weekly increase. The surge weighed heavily on borrowing activity, with total mortgage applications crashing 10.5% after a 10.9% drop the previous week. Refinancing activity led the decline, plunging 14.6%, while purchase applications fell 5.4%, signaling mounting affordability challenges for homebuyers.

US Mortgage Rates Hit 5-Month High

The SENSEX Index went up by 1216 points or 1.64 percent on Wednesday to close at 75285 points. The rise was led by Titan Company (4.71%), UltraTech Cement (4.05%) and Larsen & Toubro (3.99%).

The SENSEX Index Closes 1.64% Higher

The dollar index was little changed at around 99.4 on Wednesday, remaining below the ten-month highs reached earlier this month, as traders weighed the prospects of a potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran. US President Trump said Washington was negotiating with Tehran and suggested that Iran may be willing to reach a peace agreement, although Iranian authorities have denied engaging in direct talks. He also noted that he had stepped back from his recent threat to order strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact that we’re negotiating”. Oil prices fell by around 6% in response, providing some temporary relief from concerns over a renewed spike in inflation. Meanwhile, traders have scaled back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year and now anticipate no reductions for the time being.

Dollar Below Recent Highs

Slovenia’s seasonally adjusted manufacturing business tendency indicator stood at -8 in March 2026, unchanged from the previous month, marking a two-month low since June 2025. Production expectations held steady at 5, matching the prior reading in February. Meanwhile, export order books deteriorated further to -27 from -26, alongside a decline in overall order books to -26 from -25. At the same time, current production edged down to 2 from 3, stocks of finished products fell to 2 from 5, and selling price expectations eased to 10 from 13. Conversely, employment expectations improved to 3 from -1.

Slovenia Business Morale Steady in March

France’s 10-year OAT yield fell below 3.7%, pulling back from 17-year highs, as optimism over potential Middle East de-escalation eased inflation concerns. Reports of a US peace proposal to Tehran, despite Iran’s denial, pushed Brent crude below $100 a barrel, reducing fears of energy-driven price surges. Investors now expect only two ECB rate hikes by year-end, down from three. ECB President Christine Lagarde reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to respond "at any meeting" if energy shocks threaten broader inflation. Meanwhile data on Tuesday showed French business activity contracted more than anticipated in March, with weak demand and soaring input costs weighing on economic momentum.

French OAT Yields Retreat as Middle East Hopes Ease Inflation Pressures

Italy’s 10-year BTP yield fell to 3.86%, retreating from two-year highs, as hopes of Middle East de-escalation lifted market sentiment. A reported US peace proposal to Tehran, though rejected by Iran, sent Brent crude below $100 a barrel, easing fears of inflation fueled by high energy costs. Rate hike expectations softened, with markets now anticipating only two ECB increases this year, down from three previously. Meanwhile, ECB President Christine Lagarde reiterated the bank’s commitment to act "at any meeting" should energy price surges risk broader inflation. On the economic front, Eurozone business activity data revealed a sharp decline in March, hitting a 10-month low, while input costs surged at the fastest pace in over three years amid rising energy prices and supply chain strains.

Italy’s BTP Yields Drop on Middle East Hopes

Tourist arrivals in Slovenia increased by 3.3% year-on-year to 307.6 thousand in February 2026, following a 7.9% rise in January. The number of foreign tourists rose by 3.6% to 184.9 thousand, while domestic tourists went up by 2.7% to 122.6 thousand. Most foreign visitors came from Italy (14.5%), Serbia (31.2%), and Hungary (19.6%). Overnight stays increased by 4.3% from a year earlier to 829.1 thousand, with the highest number of stays recorded in health (spa) resorts (2.0%), mountain resorts (7.3%), and the capital (11.0%). For the January-February period, total arrivals rose by 5.6% to 624.9 thousand.

Slovenia Tourist Arrivals Rise 3.3% in February

Germany’s 10-year Bund yield slipped to 2.97%, pulling back from near 15-year highs, as optimism grew over potential de-escalation in the Middle East. Reports of a US 15-point peace proposal to Tehran, despite Iran’s denial of negotiations, helped push Brent crude below $100 a barrel, reducing concerns over energy-driven inflation. Investors scaled back rate hike bets, with markets now pricing in just two ECB increases by year-end, down from three. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized the bank’s readiness to act "at any meeting" if energy price shocks threaten wider inflation. Meanwhile, German business morale plunged in March to its lowest level in over a year, underscoring the conflict’s toll on economic sentiment.

Bund Yields Retreat as Middle East Hopes Ease Inflation Fears

Germany’s Ifo Business Climate Index dropped to 86.4 in March 2026, the weakest reading since February 2025, as the escalating Middle East conflict dampens economic sentiment. The index compared with market forecasts of 86.1 and marked a sharp decline from February’s revised 88.4. The deterioration was driven by a steep drop in future expectations, which plunged to 86.0 from 90.2, as the war’s impact is exacerbating risks for Germany’s already shaky recovery. Meanwhile, the assessment of current conditions remained flat at 86.7.

German Business Sentiment Plummets in March

Swiss investor sentiment index slumped by 44.8 percentage points to -35 in March 2026 from 9.8 in the previous month, according to data from UBS and CFA Society Switzerland. It marked the lowest reading since September 2025, indicating growing caution among financial analysts, who now expect higher interest rates in both the Eurozone and the United States over the next six months. They also turned significantly less optimistic about equity market prospects. Inflation expectations rose across all regions, driven in part by escalating tensions in the Middle East and the associated surge in oil prices, adding to concerns about the global economic outlook. Meanwhile, the current conditions index rebounded to 2.5 from -2.5 in February.

Swiss Investor Sentiment Worsens to 6-Month Low

The euro steadied near $1.16 on growing hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East, after reports that Washington proposed a 15-point peace plan to Tehran following a potential one-month ceasefire. Iran dismissed the claims, stating it was not engaged in negotiations and reiterating its distrust of US diplomacy. Brent crude dipped below $100 a barrel, easing fears of inflation driven by soaring energy costs and leading investors to trim expectations for rate hikes. ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that while the central bank is assessing the economic impact of the conflict, it stands prepared to adjust policy "at any meeting" if the energy price surge risks fueling broader inflation. Markets now price in only two ECB rate increases by year-end, down from earlier forecasts of three.

Euro Holds at $1.16 as Middle East Tensions Ease

The FTSE 100 rose 0.9% on Wednesday after a 0.7% gain in the previous session, extending its rebound as easing oil prices lifted hopes of a de-escalation in Middle East tensions. The index is on track for a second straight day of gains as crude falls below $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, helping to calm inflation concerns. However, the UK benchmark is lagging broader European markets due to its heavy exposure to energy stocks, with Shell and BP declining alongside oil. Defensive names such as Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever are also lower as investors shift toward riskier assets. Banks and miners are leading gains. Meanwhile, UK inflation held steady at 3% in February, though the data is seen as outdated as it predates the recent escalation in the Middle East.

FTSE 100 Up for 2nd Day

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 climbed nearly 2% on Wednesday, reclaiming the 23,000 level, as optimism grew over a potential swift resolution to the Middle East conflict. The US proposed a 15-point peace plan to Tehran after a possible one-month ceasefire, with President Trump claiming Iran is "desperate to reach a deal." However, Iran’s military leadership dismissed the reports, denouncing the US government. Despite the tensions, Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel, alleviating inflation fears and prompting investors to scale back rate hike expectations. Markets now anticipate just two interest rate increases by year-end from both the ECB and the Bank of England, down from previous projections of three.

DAX 40 Surges on Middle East Peace Hopes

The FTSE MIB rose more than 1% to above 44,000 on Wednesday, extending gains for a third straight session and tracking advances across European markets, as hopes for a resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted sentiment. US President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Iran and signaled Tehran’s willingness to reach a peace agreement, despite Iranian officials denying any direct talks. Most major stocks traded higher, including UniCredit (+2.7%), Intesa Sanpaolo (+2.3%), Assicurazioni Generali (+1.6%), Ferrari (+1.3%), STMicroelectronics (+2.5%), and Prysmian (+3.8%). In contrast, Eni fell more than 1%, tracking a decline in oil prices. On the economic front, Italy is set to release its business and consumer confidence data for March later today.

FTSE MIB Rises Over 1%

The CAC 40 climbed 1.4% to 7,858 on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session as market sentiment remained upbeat on hopes of a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions. Reports emerged that the US is engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Iran, including a proposed 15-point framework and a push for a one-month ceasefire to enable negotiations. However, uncertainty persists as Tehran has yet to formally respond after dismissing earlier talks, and hostilities between Iran and Israel continued with fresh airstrikes. The majority of sectors traded in the green, with defense-related stocks Airbus (2.4%), Safran (2.5%), and Thales (2.1%) among the best performers. Financials also showed strength, namely BNP Paribas (1.8%), Crédit Agricole (1.6%), and Société Générale (2.7%). In contrast, TotalEnergies (-0.6%) and Orange (-1.1%) were among the few decliners.

French Stocks Climb Over 1%

The UK’s 10-year gilt yield fell to 4.8%, retreating from Monday’s near 18-year peak, as optimism grew over potential de-escalation in the Middle East. Reports suggest Washington presented Tehran with a 15-point peace proposal after a possible one-month ceasefire, though Iran rejected any involvement, declaring, "No one can trust US diplomacy." Meanwhile, UK inflation data for February revealed stable consumer prices at 3%, aligning with expectations, while core CPI rose slightly to 3.2%, exceeding the forecasted 3.1%. The pre-conflict figures, however, failed to sway markets. With oil prices easing, investors now expect fewer than two interest rate increases by year-end, pricing in about 68 basis points of tightening for December, a decline from the nearly 75 basis points projected earlier in the week. The shift reflects reduced fears that high energy costs will drive inflation.

UK Gilt Yields Drop Amid Middle East De-escalation Hopes

The FTSE 100 Index is up by 98 points or 0.98 percent on Wednesday. Top gainers are Croda International (4.63%), Fresnillo (3.78%) and Intermediate Capital (3.67%). Biggest losses came from Reckitt Benckiser (-2.66%), Shell (-1.34%) and Experian (-1.05%).

The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.98% Higher

European stocks moved higher on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 rising 1.5% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1.2%, supported by a broadly positive market tone amid hopes that the conflict with Iran could ease soon. US President Donald Trump said Washington was negotiating with Tehran and suggested that Iran is willing to reach a peace agreement, although Iranian authorities have denied engaging in direct talks. Trump also noted that he had stepped back from his recent threat to order strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact that we’re negotiating”. Oil prices fell by around 6% in response. All sectors ended in positive territory, with industrials and technology stocks leading the gains.

European Stocks Gain More than 1%

The British pound held firm near $1.34 on hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, with reports indicating Washington proposed a 15-point peace plan to Tehran following a potential one-month ceasefire. Iran dismissed involvement in negotiations, stating, "No one can trust US diplomacy." In the UK, February’s inflation data showed consumer prices unchanged at 3%, matching forecasts, while core CPI edged up to 3.2%, slightly above the expected 3.1%. However, the figures, which predate the Middle East conflict, had little market impact. Investors now anticipate fewer than two rate hikes by year-end, with around 68 basis points of tightening priced in for December, down from nearly 75 basis points earlier this week, as easing oil prices reduce concerns over inflationary pressures from high energy costs.

Pound Steady as Middle East Tensions Ease and UK Inflation Holds

The DAX Index is gaining 385 points or 1.70 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Siemens Energy (4.46%), Infineon (3.64%) and Siemens (2.94%).

The DAX Index Opens 1.70% Higher

The CAC 40 Index is picking up 118 points or 1.52 percent on Wednesday. Gains are led by Legrand (3.58%), STMicroelectronics (3.10%) and Schneider Electric (3.04%).

The CAC 40 Index Opens 1.52% Higher

Palestine’s trade deficit widened to USD 539.2 million in January 2026 from USD 475.4 million in the same month a year earlier, hitting the largest trade deficit since September 2023. Imports rose 15% year-on-year to USD 710.4 million, driven by a 26% increase in purchases from Israel, which accounted for 61% of total imports, while imports from other countries edged up by 1%. Exports also increased by 22% to USD 171.2 million, supported by a 26% rise in shipments to Israel, representing 93% of total exports, while exports to other countries fell by 15%.

Palestine Trade Gap Highest Since 2023

Producer prices in Spain fell by 7% year-on-year in February 2026, marking the steepest decline since March 2024, following a revised 2.8% decrease in January. The drop was mainly driven by a sharp 22.3% fall in energy prices, reflecting lower costs in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity and, to a lesser extent, in gas production and the pipeline distribution of gaseous fuels. Excluding energy, producer prices rose by 0.8%, slightly easing from 0.9% in January. Prices for intermediate goods edged up just 0.1%, due to declines in the production of precious and other non-ferrous metals. Meanwhile, non-durable consumer goods prices increased by 1% as prices for the manufacture of vegetable and animal oils and fats declined less sharply than in February of the previous year. On a monthly basis, the producer price index fell by 3.1%.

Spain’s PPI Records Sharpest Drop Since 2024

Sweden's household confidence indicator fell to 95.2 in March 2026 from a four-month high of 96.3 in the previous month. Households grew slightly less optimistic about their personal finances over the next twelve months (8 vs 9 in February), while views on the broader Swedish economy deteriorated more sharply (-17 vs -10). At the same time, concerns over unemployment intensified (18 vs 12), signaling rising unease about labor market conditions. Expectations for personal savings over the coming year softened (44 vs 47), pointing to a more cautious financial outlook. Meanwhile, attitudes toward purchasing capital goods improved modestly (-11 vs -14). On prices, households now anticipate higher inflation over the next twelve months (7.3% vs 6.6%), while their assessment of inflation over the past year eased (11.0% vs 13.2%).

Sweden Consumer Morale Weakens

The National Bank of Georgia held its key policy rate steady at 8.0% during its March 2026 meeting, signaling a cautious stance amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Policymakers noted that prior to the escalation of the Middle East war, inflation dynamics were broadly aligned with the NBG’s baseline scenario, which projected inflation returning to the 3% target from the second quarter of 2026 as temporary factors subsided. However, the surge in oil prices has already begun to filter through to the Georgian market and is expected to exert upward pressure on headline inflation in March. The central bank said inflationary shocks stemming from the geopolitical situation persist and/or their scale amplify the risks of second-round effects, the MPC stands ready to maintain the current tight stance for longer than expected and, if necessary, to tighten it further.

National Bank of Georgia Holds Key Rate Steady

Sweden’s business confidence barometer fell to 102.3 in March 2026 from a downwardly revised 104 in the previous month. This marked the lowest reading since September last year, though still pointing to a broadly neutral business climate. Firms’ assessment of demand (-24 vs -25 in February) remained steady but slightly weaker than normal overall, with trade standing out as more stable. Employment (-7 vs -6) declined across all sectors, although hiring plans (4 vs 5) suggest a modest pickup in staffing over the next three months. Price expectations (13 vs 12) remained broadly in line with normal levels, but the trade sector showed softer pricing power, led by grocery retailers where price cuts are expected, partly reflecting the upcoming VAT reduction on food. Meanwhile, investment plans were mixed, with manufacturing seen holding steady this year while services showed a more optimistic outlook.

Sweden Business Confidence Hits 6-Month Low

Sweden’s Economic Tendency Indicator edged up to 99.9 in March 2026 from a revised 99.7 in February, still pointing to sentiment in line with normal conditions. Business confidence remained broadly stable, with all sectors at typical levels except construction, where sentiment strengthened further to above normal, supported by more optimistic employment plans. Manufacturing sentiment also improved, mainly driven by stronger production expectations. In contrast, retail trade weakened sharply, reflecting downgraded sales expectations and a softer view of recent activity, while confidence in the services sector also declined. Consumer sentiment remained below normal, as more pessimistic expectations for the Swedish economy and household finances, along with caution toward major purchases, continued to weigh. Firms expect to raise selling prices at a normal pace, though retail pricing plans remain subdued due to expected price cuts following the VAT reduction on food.

Sweden Economic Confidence Little Changed

Nickel futures rose to around $17,300 per tonne, rebounding from an over one-month low, amid renewed hopes for a temporary de-escalation in the Middle East conflict. The US proposed a one-month ceasefire to Iran, boosting risk sentiment and triggering short-term gains in industrial metals markets. On the supply front, Nickel Industries received approval for 14.3 million wet metric tonnes of 2026 nickel ore sales in Indonesia, providing clarity for both domestic and export supply, underpinning futures prices. Meanwhile, the market remains cautious over potential windfall taxes on nickel in Indonesia, which could affect output and costs. Chinese liquidity support helped bolster sentiment, as the People’s Bank of China conducted a 500 billion yuan medium-term lending facility operation. Overall, nickel remains in a sensitive range, with prices fluctuating amid supply reassurances and lingering geopolitical risks.

Nickel Futures Rise from Over 1-Month Low

Japan’s leading economic index, which gauges the outlook for the months ahead using indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, was at  112.1 in January 2026, below flash data of 112.4 but higher than a downwardly revised 110.4 in the previous month. The reading reached its highest level since July 2022, underscoring a gradual improvement in the economic outlook. Labor market strength persisted, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio remaining elevated, signaling sustained demand for workers. At the same time, consumer confidence climbed to a 21-month high in January, as worries over stubborn cost pressures eased following Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus program designed to bolster household spending and stabilize growth.

Japan Leading Index Revised Lower

Retail sales in Denmark rose 2.2% year-on-year in February 2026, slowing from a 3.8% gain in the previous month. This marked the weakest annual growth since June 2025, as sales moderated in supermarkets, department stores, and specialized grocery stores (0.3% vs 1.9% in January), household equipment, furniture, and building materials (5.2% vs 7.8%), clothing, footwear, and jewelry (4.6% vs 6.1%), and second-hand goods (9.6% vs 16.5%). In addition, sales tumbled for cultural and leisure products (-5% vs 4.8%). On the other hand, declines softened at fuel stations (-0.4% vs -3.8%), while retail growth accelerated in both consumer electronics (12.8% vs 11.8%) and pharmacies and personal care (5% vs 3.5%). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail activity fell 0.3%, reversing an upwardly revised 0.8% gain in January.

Danish Retail Sales Hit 8-Month Low

Japan’s coincident economic index, which tracks factory output, employment, and retail sales, stood at 117.9 in January 2026, higher than a preliminary reading of 116.8 and an upwardly revised 114.5 in the prior month. The reading hit its highest level since May 2019, signaling a moderate pickup in economic activity. The effects of recent U.S. trade policies were felt most acutely in the automotive sector, while other industries showed greater resilience. Employment and income gains supported household consumption, and business investment began to recover despite lingering cost pressures. On the policy front, the Bank of Japan left its short-term rate unchanged at 0.75% at its first meeting of 2026. In its quarterly outlook, the board lifted its FY2025 GDP growth forecast to 0.9% from 0.7%, citing momentum from a new trade deal with Washington and Tokyo’s sizable stimulus package.

Japan Coincident Index Revised Higher

European natural gas futures fell more than 6% to below €51 per MWh on Wednesday, extending their retreat from an over three-year high on prospects of a potential ceasefire in the Middle East that could ease supply disruptions. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US was making progress in negotiations with Iran and had sent a 15-point settlement proposal aimed at ending the war. However, some analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of a swift resolution, expecting markets to stay volatile. The war, now in its fourth week, has blocked shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off around 20% of global LNG flows, while the largest LNG plant in Qatar remains offline, with about 17% of its capacity are damaged. Shell’s CEO has warned that Europe could face energy shortages as early as April if the conflict continues.

Breaking News

Follow what's happening with real-time updates from around the world.