Muhtasari
Finance 25 Mac
Global equities decline amid start of Iran war
Global equities have experienced declines in March 2026, coinciding with the start of the war in Iran over the last weekend of February. Notable exceptions include bitcoin, energy sector ETFs, oil, energy and agricultural commodities, and Israel, while non-US country ETFs such as those for France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and Mexico have fallen more than 10% since the war began. In India, stock markets closed higher on Friday, driven by gains in IT, auto, and metal sectors, though banking stocks limited the upside. Analysts like Sudeep Shah urge caution amid the West Asian conflict, elevated oil prices, and continued FII outflows, with Nifty and Bank Nifty encountering resistance levels where pullbacks are being sold. Meanwhile, South Korean stocks opened sharply higher on March 24 on optimism for easing Middle East tensions, following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of talks with Iran and a five-day postponement of strikes. The KOSPI index surged 4.25% at open to 5,602.08, holding a 3.63% gain after 15 minutes of trading.
- Energy and Israel ETFs gain amid war in Iran
- Nifty grapples with dead cat bounce amid market caution
- Seoul stocks open sharply higher on Mideast de-escalation hopes
German municipalities demand €30 billion annual aid
Deutscher Städtetag president Burkhard Jung is demanding €30 billion in annual immediate aid from the federal government for municipalities, to begin no later than 2027. He describes the financial situation as catastrophic, with deficits exceeding €30 billion in recent years. The primary causes include sharply rising social spending and declining revenues, which have pushed local governments to the brink. Jung emphasizes the urgency of this support to prevent further deterioration in municipal services and fiscal stability across Germany. This plea underscores broader challenges in balancing budgets amid economic pressures and policy shifts at the national level.
La Anónima acquires four Libertad hypermarkets in Córdoba
La Anónima has acquired four Libertad hypermarkets located in Córdoba, marking a significant expansion in Argentina's retail landscape. The deal ensures the transfer of 1,600 employees with full labor continuity guaranteed during the transition period, preserving jobs and operational stability. Additionally, it includes a logistics center, which will strengthen distribution capabilities in central Argentina. This acquisition positions La Anónima to enhance its market presence and supply chain efficiency in the region, potentially benefiting consumers through improved access and service continuity.
Samsung leads global display market for 17th consecutive year
Samsung Electronics has maintained its leadership in the global commercial display market for 17 straight years through 2025, according to Omdia research. The company captured a 35.2% market share measured by units sold and achieved a record shipment of 2.5 million units. This sustained top position reflects Samsung's innovation, product quality, and strong demand in the sector, solidifying its role as the market leader amid competition from other global players. The milestone underscores the company's strategic focus on commercial displays, which include applications in business, transportation, and public spaces worldwide.
Micron Technology reports strong fiscal Q2 2026 results
Micron Technology announced fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $23.86 billion, representing a massive 196% increase year-over-year and surpassing consensus estimates of $19.51 billion. Earnings per share reached $12.20, further highlighting the company's robust performance. Looking ahead, Micron issued strong Q3 guidance, projecting revenue of $33.5 billion and EPS of $19.15. These results are driven by high demand in memory and storage solutions, positioning Micron favorably in the semiconductor industry amid favorable market conditions.