Citigroup stays hot as banks buzz on AI, profits and market chaos; a global lender born from 1998 Citi-Travellers merger, NYC-based.
F1 has postponed or canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April due to escalating Iran-US-Israel conflicts. The decision follows recent Iranian missile and drone attacks affecting regional infrastructure and safety concerns. The season may proceed with 22 races, pending safety assessments.
Dubai's financial district experienced a minor incident after debris from an interception caused smoke and damage. Iran has threatened to target US and Israeli economic sites amid ongoing regional conflict, with recent drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries. Several firms have evacuated staff for safety.
French authorities detained four suspects, including minors, over a planned attack targeting Bank of America in Paris. The device was the most powerful of its kind in France and is believed to be connected to HAYI, a pro-Iranian group that posted a threatening video targeting Jewish and U.S. interests in Europe. The attack was prevented through police surveillance and intelligence sharing across Europe. All suspects deny terrorist intent, but investigations continue to identify the masterminds behind the plot. The story highlights ongoing concerns about Iran-linked terrorism in Europe, with authorities working across borders to prevent future attacks.
French authorities detained four suspects, including three minors and one adult, linked to a foiled terror plot targeting a US bank in Paris. The device was highly powerful and possibly connected to Iran-backed group HAYI. The suspects deny terrorist intent, and investigations continue.
Private credit funds have seen significant redemption requests in Q1 2026: Blackstone reported nearly 8% of investors asking for cash, while Apollo, Ares and Blue Owl have seen double-digit outflows. Managers are blaming news "noise," but withdrawals are resembling a slow-motion run that will increase liquidity stress on funds.
The Central Bank of Liberia has announced a phased increase in minimum capital requirements for commercial banks, raising the threshold from $10 million to $15 million by 2028. The move aims to strengthen financial stability, attract serious investors, and support economic resilience amid ongoing sector reforms.
The Bank of England has voted 8-1 to hold Bank Rate at 3.75% and has published three scenarios showing higher near-term inflation because of the Iran war and energy-price shock. Governor Andrew Bailey has said the path for policy will depend on the size and duration of the energy shock; chief economist Huw Pill has dissented for a 0.25pp rise.
Oil prices remain elevated amid ongoing Iran‑related disruption, while markets price in a potential ceasefire. Banks warn long‑run inflation could drift lower on AI‑driven disinflation, but near‑term pressures keep the Fed and other central banks in a tighter stance. Investors are reassessing energy supply risk and policy outlook.
Global oil majors are posting higher first‑quarter profits as supply disruptions, including the Strait of Hormuz tension and related price spikes, bolster trading and refining margins. Shell and BP report earnings well above forecasts, while Aramco highlights a critical export artery from its east coast to the Red Sea, helping cushion markets.
Traders’ profits and banker bonuses have hit new highs as deal activity accelerates. The Trump-era push to loosen banking rules is empowering lenders to expand and take more risks, while private equity and private credit firms face fundraising headwinds. Meanwhile, some banks are outpacing peers as AI investment reshapes the market.