Silver Surges Past $80 on Safe-Haven Demand Ahead of Key U.S. Data
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Silver Surges Past $80 on Safe-Haven Demand Ahead of Key U.S. Data

Silver prices climbed nearly 3% to breach $80 per ounce in European trading Friday, driven by safe-haven demand amid Middle East tensions and lower bond yields. The rally is increasing costs for solar manufacturers.

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ASX 200 Ends Winning Streak as Rio Tinto Disappoints; QBE Earnings Shine
Markets Daniel Marsh

ASX 200 Ends Winning Streak as Rio Tinto Disappoints; QBE Earnings Shine

The Australian share market closed slightly lower on Friday, ending a four-session advance, weighed down by weakness in the mining sector following Rio Tinto's annual results. The benchmark index still posted a solid weekly gain of 1.8%.

RIO
Indian Equities Recover as Oil, Inflation Data Loom
Markets Daniel Marsh

Indian Equities Recover as Oil, Inflation Data Loom

Indian benchmark indices closed higher on Friday, recovering from the previous session's sharp decline. Gains were led by heavyweight stocks in banking and industrials, while the information technology sector underperformed.

NVS XLK
FTSE 100 Gains on Strong UK Retail Data, Anglo American Reports Loss
Markets Daniel Marsh

FTSE 100 Gains on Strong UK Retail Data, Anglo American Reports Loss

London's FTSE 100 advanced 0.5% on Friday, buoyed by unexpectedly strong UK retail sales data. Anglo American reported a substantial loss following another impairment at its De Beers diamond unit.

AZN BHP BP RIO SHEL
BAT Shares Edge Higher on Buyback Activity and Cautious 2026 Outlook
Markets Daniel Marsh

BAT Shares Edge Higher on Buyback Activity and Cautious 2026 Outlook

British American Tobacco shares gained 0.2% in early London trading following a new share repurchase disclosure. Management reaffirmed its 2026 financial targets, noting they are positioned at the lower end of previously stated ranges.

BTI
LSEG Stock Gains on Activist Pressure and New AI Platform Launch
Markets Daniel Marsh

LSEG Stock Gains on Activist Pressure and New AI Platform Launch

London Stock Exchange Group shares advanced roughly 1% in early Friday trading, buoyed by activist investor demands for a major capital return and the debut of a new AI-powered data analytics service.

LSE
Australian Pension Boost Arrives March 20, Deeming Rate Hike May Offset Gains
Economy Daniel Marsh

Australian Pension Boost Arrives March 20, Deeming Rate Hike May Offset Gains

Millions of Australian welfare recipients will see payment increases from March 20, though a simultaneous rise in deeming rates may trim benefits for some pensioners.

FXI MCHI
Vodafone Gains on €1bn Dutch Stake Sale and Share Buyback Program
Markets Daniel Marsh

Vodafone Gains on €1bn Dutch Stake Sale and Share Buyback Program

Vodafone's stock rose slightly in London trading following its €1 billion exit from a Dutch joint venture and the latest tranche of its share buyback program. Investors now await full-year results in May.

VOD
SSE Shares Rebound as UK Rate Cut Hopes Fuel Utility Demand
Markets Daniel Marsh

SSE Shares Rebound as UK Rate Cut Hopes Fuel Utility Demand

SSE shares advanced 0.7% to 2,567 pence Friday, approaching a 52-week peak, as utilities gained favor with investors anticipating potential Bank of England rate cuts. The company recently announced £950 million in subsea power investments.

GLD XLU
NatWest Shares Edge Higher Amid Buyback Activity, UK Economic Data
Markets Daniel Marsh

NatWest Shares Edge Higher Amid Buyback Activity, UK Economic Data

NatWest Group shares gained 0.7% in early London trading after the bank disclosed fresh buyback activity. The move comes alongside stronger-than-expected UK retail sales data and record public finance figures.

HSBC BCS BACHY
Anglo American shares gain on De Beers sale progress despite annual loss
Earnings James Calloway

Anglo American shares gain on De Beers sale progress despite annual loss

Anglo American's stock advanced as investors focused on the advanced sale process for its De Beers diamond unit, despite the company posting a significant annual loss due to a major impairment charge.

NGLOY
Glencore Holds Steady on $2 Billion Payout Amid Mixed 2025 Results
Earnings James Calloway

Glencore Holds Steady on $2 Billion Payout Amid Mixed 2025 Results

Glencore's stock showed minimal movement following its 2025 financial report, which included a $2 billion capital return plan and earnings that exceeded analyst expectations despite a decline.

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