CNBC Daily Open: Hegseth on the defensive
Report suggests U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looked to make a major defense investment in the lead up to the Iran war.
Three niche commodity prices are surging. What they show about China’s grip on supply chains
In the wake of the Iran war, prices are surging for critical elements used in defense and the semiconductors that power artificial intelligence advances.
European stocks head for worst month since 2022 as Iran war drags on
Regional shares were choppy on Tuesday morning.
South Korea proposes extra $17 billion budget to cushion energy costs fueled by Iran war
Seoul imports 94% of its energy needs, and almost 72% of its crude oil comes from the Middle East.
Indian mobile giant Airtel raises $1 billion for data centers from Carlyle, other PE firms
Signaling rising global interest in India’s data‑center sector, Bharti Airtel has attracted private‑equity interest as it seeks to raise $1 billion.
Brent oil price surges more than 60% in March, biggest monthly gain dating back to 1988
Reports indicate that the U.S. and Iran are open to ending the war.
China’s factory activity returns to growth, expanding at its sharpest pace in a year
China’s official gauge for manufacturing activity pointed to a better-than-expected expansion in March, snapping two months of declines.
Pete Hegseth’s broker attempted to make defense investments before Iran war: Financial Times
Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed the report in a post on X, calling it “entirely false and fabricated.”
CNBC Daily Open: Trump is doubling down on rhetoric to end the Iran war
Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s oil wells, its export hub of Kharg Island, and power plants if a peace deal is not reached “shortly.”
Asia markets mostly fall as Trump comments on Iran war stoke oil volatility
Asia-Pacific markets largely fell on Tuesday as investors assesed Mideast conflict and volatile crude oil prices.
