United States President Donald Trump has declared that the Iran war is “very close to over”, expressing confidence that Tehran is eager to reach a peace agreement and predicting a strong rally in financial markets once the conflict concludes. Speaking in a prerecorded interview on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria, Trump said: “We’ve beaten them militarily, totally. I think it’s close
United Kingdom finance minister Rachel Reeves slammed United States President Donald Trump’s war on Iran, describing it as a “mistake” that has had significant negative impacts on the global economy and living standards around the world. Reeves criticised Trump’s handling of the conflict, saying that the aims of the war were “not clear: and had shifted between regime change, protecting partners
Semiconductor equipment supplier ASML beat earnings and revenue estimates last quarter, but shares fell amid newly-proposed export controls on chip sales to China. Net sales were EU€8.77 billion, up from €7.74 billion year-over-year and above LSEG consensus estimates of €8.5 billion. Net income was €2.76 billion, rising from €2.36 billion and surpassing estimates of €2.5 billion. “The semico
Bank of America surpassed earnings and revenue estimates last quarter, buoyed by surging equities trading activity. Earnings per share increased 25% year-over-year to US$1.11, above LSEG consensus estimates of $1.01. Revenue rose 7% to $30.43 billion, beating estimates of $29.93 billion. “Earnings per share rose 25% year-over-year, starting 2026 with strong momentum. Net income of $8.6 billi
Hermes shares tanked following an earnings report that disappointed investors amid the conflict in the Middle East, hitting luxury sales. The group's consolidated revenue amounted to EU€4.07 billion in Q1, increasing 6% from the same time last year. Despite the growth, this still fell short of analysts' €4.15 billion expectations. While the company’s sales were stronger than those of its
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The Washington D.C.-based World Bank could mobilise between US$80 billion and $100 billion in financing over the next 15 months to support countries hit hardest by the war in the Middle East, outlining a response that would exceed the institution’s $70 billion deployment during the covid crisis. Proposed funding, announced on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fu
United Airlines Holdings Inc has proposed a merger with fierce rival American Airlines in a deal that would be likely to face intense scrutiny. United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby reportedly floated the tie-up with United States President Donald Trump at a meeting on 25 February and also with senior U.S. Government officials. The two airlines have a combined market capitalisation of
Johnson & Johnson surpassed estimates last quarter and has raised its full-year guidance, though sales for its autoimmune medication Stelara plunged. Revenue was up 9.9% year-over-year to US$24.06 billion, beating LSEG-compiled estimates of $23.6 billion. Adjusted earnings per share dipped 2.5% to $2.70, above estimates of $2.66. “Johnson & Johnson had a strong start to 2026 and is deliverin
The United States will begin rolling out a system on 20 April to refund up to US$166 billion (A$254 billion) in tariffs to importers, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a key element of former president Donald Trump’s trade policy. The refund mechanism, known as CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries), has completed primary development and entered in
Citigroup beat earnings and revenue estimates last quarter, reporting its best revenue in a decade after strong increases across all segments. Revenue was up 14% year-over-year to US$24.63 billion, surpassing LSEG consensus estimates of $23.55 billion. Earnings per share rose 56% to $3.06, above estimates of $2.65. “We’re off to an exceptionally strong start in 2026, with revenue up 14% and