Lloyds Banking Group plc Sticks With £1.95 Billion Motor Finance Provision as FCA Trims Redress Bill
Lloyds Banking Group said it will not increase its £1.95 billion provision for motor-finance mis-selling after
Woodside Energy Restarts North West Shelf LNG After Cyclone as Australia Eyes Gas Security
Woodside Energy has restarted LNG and domestic gas production at its North West Shelf project in Western Australia after Cyclone Narelle halted operations. Chevron’s Wheatstone LNG plant remains fully offline, with repairs
Tenaya Therapeutics Stock Jumps After $1.13 Billion Alnylam Heart-Disease Deal
Tenaya Therapeutics and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals signed a cardiovascular drug target-discovery deal worth up to $1.13 billion, with Tenaya receiving up to $10
Amazon stock jumps nearly 3% as AWS data-center spending and power costs return to the fore
Amazon shares rose 2.9% to $214.72 in morning trading Wednesday after the company announced a $21 billion data center investment in Spain
Why Qatar stocks fell last week — and what could move the Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday
Qatar’s QE Index closed Thursday at 11,055.20, down 1.91% for the week and 2.26% for February, with real estate stocks leading losses.
Microsoft stock price today: MSFT edges up on $50B AI pledge, CrowdStrike deal and insider buy
Microsoft shares rose 0.7% to $402.50 Thursday morning, outpacing tech benchmarks after the company detailed a $50 billion AI investment plan and
Aviva share price slips again as AI disruption fears hang over insurers ahead of results
Aviva shares slipped 0.4% to 622.6 pence in early London trading Wednesday, after dropping nearly 3% the previous day. Insurers have come under pressure following the launch of an AI-powered comparison tool by Insurify, which rattled investors and hit sector stocks across Europe and the U.S. Aviva will report full-year results on March 5. Trading volume Tuesday reached 8.8 million shares, well above its 50-day average.
Shell share price rises in early London trade as oil firms; buyback and deal questions linger
Shell shares rose 1.2% to 2,866.5 pence after the London open Wednesday, following news of continued share buybacks and a rebound in
Android users are replacing Google apps with Fossify — here’s what they gain (and lose)
An Android Police writer reported fully replacing Google’s clock, calculator, keyboard, calendar, and contacts apps with Fossify alternatives. Fossify’s repositories showed updates
Android PDF Ad Scam: Fake ‘Update PDF App’ Pop-Ups Are Flooding Phones With Junk Apps (Nov 28, 2025)
A deceptive ad in WPS Office on an Android phone mimicked a system alert, prompting a user to install multiple junk PDF
High-Speed Battle at Sea: 2025’s Best Maritime Satellite Services Revealed
SpaceX Starlink Maritime now delivers hundreds of Mbps internet to ships, letting passengers stream video mid-ocean—far surpassing legacy 5–10 Mbps links. Inmarsat,
UK & AU Stock Market Today: Live Updates 05.04.2026
LIVEMarkets rolling coverageStarted: April 5, 2026, 12:00 AM EDTUpdated: April 5, 2026, 9:50 AM EDT Iran Conflict Raises Energy Costs That Threaten AI Industry Growth April 5, 2026, 8:32 AM EDT. The conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is driving up global energy prices, threatening the delicate economics behind the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector. Higher energy costs are pushing oil-importing nations toward shortages, curfews, and national emergencies, while even the U.S. faces rising gasoline prices. The AI industry, known for its **energy-intensive** operations and heavy debt financing, is particularly vulnerable. The Bank of England
UK & AU Stock Market Today: Live Updates 04.04.2026
LIVEMarkets rolling coverageStarted: April 4, 2026, 12:00 AM EDTUpdated: April 4, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT ANZ Shares Valuation: PE Ratio and Sector Comparison Analysis April 4, 2026, 11:49 PM EDT. ANZ Banking Group shares trade around $37, with a price-earnings ratio (PER) of 17x, slightly below the banking sector average of 19x. The PER compares share price to full-year earnings and helps assess if shares are over- or undervalued. Analysts compare ANZ's PER to peers like NAB and CBA to estimate fair value, multiplying earnings per share ($2.15 for FY24) by sector average PER to gauge relative pricing. However, PER
Shell Plc Eyes Shenandoah Stake as Oil Shock Sends Majors Chasing Safer U.S. Barrels
Shell is considering a bid for a 51% stake in the Shenandoah offshore oil field in the U.S. Gulf, sources said, as sellers Beacon Offshore and HEQ Deepwater seek buyers. The field began producing in July 2025 and hit 100,000 barrels per day within 75 days. Brent crude settled at $109.03 after Trump threatened more attacks on Iran. Initial bids for Shenandoah are expected in the coming weeks.
Lloyds Banking Group plc Sticks With £1.95 Billion Motor Finance Provision as FCA Trims Redress Bill
Lloyds Banking Group said it will not increase its £1.95 billion provision for motor-finance mis-selling after reviewing final FCA rules. The FCA cut the sector’s total bill to £9.1 billion and narrowed eligibility to 12.1 million car loans. Lloyds shares fell 1.6% after the update. The bank warned that response rates, costs, and litigation remain uncertain.
Ryanair Expands Morocco Routes as Leeds-Bradford-Agadir and Valencia-Rabat Flights Take Off
Ryanair launched new flights from Leeds Bradford to Agadir and from Valencia to Rabat on March 31, marking the start of its summer 2026 schedule. The Leeds Bradford-Agadir and Valencia-Rabat routes will run four times a week. Rabat also appears in Milan Bergamo Airport’s expanded summer network, which now covers 152 routes in 44 countries. Ryanair’s new Rabat base opens in April, increasing summer seat capacity by 45%.
UK & AU Stock Market Today: Live Updates 03.04.2026
LIVEMarkets rolling coverageStarted: April 3, 2026, 12:00 AM EDTUpdated: April 3, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT SHL Share Price Overview and Why Healthcare Stocks Appeal to Investors April 3, 2026, 11:55 PM EDT. The Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) share price has decreased 11.0% since early 2025, drawing attention to its potential as an investment. Sonic Healthcare is a major player in pathology and diagnostic services across several regions including Australia, Europe, and North America. Healthcare stocks like SHL are favored for their **stable revenue** streams, often referred to as 'sticky revenue,' since healthcare spending tends to persist even in downturns.
Northern Star Resources Launches A$500 Million Buyback, Keeps 2026 Gold Outlook Intact
Northern Star Resources announced a share buyback of up to A$500 million, or 1.6% of issued capital, starting April 23. The company reported preliminary March-quarter gold sales of 381,000 ounces, keeping it on track for over 1.5 million ounces this fiscal year. Shares rose as much as 4.1% after the news. The buyback will not affect the dividend policy.
Ryanair Warns UK Summer Flights Face Jet Fuel Crunch, Cancellations and Higher Fares
Ryanair warned it may cancel up to 10% of summer flights if the Iran war keeps disrupting jet fuel markets, as UK route cuts began with Skybus ending its London-Newquay service early. Jet fuel averaged $195 a barrel last week, more than double last year’s price. The IEA said shortages hitting Asia are likely to reach Europe by May. British Airways reported no current supply disruption but is monitoring the situation.
Macquarie Group Ltd makes £100 million bet on UK social housing with Places for People deal
Kmart faces a class action in Australia’s Federal Court alleging systematic underpayment of salaried store managers over six years. The case, filed Thursday, claims managers worked beyond rostered hours without overtime or penalty rates. Adero Law says up to 6,000 current and former staff could be affected. Kmart acknowledged the lawsuit but has not yet filed a defence.
National Australia Bank contacts 200,000 firms as fuel shock squeezes Australia’s supply chains
National Australia Bank has contacted nearly 200,000 business customers as volatile fuel prices hit agriculture, transport, and manufacturing. Diesel prices in Australia are up 88% since the Middle East conflict began, with fertiliser costs also surging. Canberra announced up to A$1 billion in interest-free loans for critical businesses. NAB reported a 100% jump in EV loans in March as firms seek to cut fuel exposure.
Santos Pushes Ahead With Yarrow Gas Wells as Australia’s Tax Fight Intensifies
Santos will drill two more wells at the Yarrow gas field in South Australia after Red Sky Energy approved project spending and confirmed its 20% stake. Drilling on the first well is set to begin soon. Yarrow 1, online since November, initially produced 2.4 million standard cubic feet per day, above forecasts. The new wells come as Santos faces political scrutiny over gas exports and recent profit declines.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Says Fuel Shock Is Hitting Wallets as RBA Rate Risks Build
Commonwealth Bank of Australia reported a sharp rise in fuel spending through March 27 as Middle East conflict drove up petrol and diesel prices, while overall household spending stayed flat. CBA now expects inflation to reach 5.4% by mid-2026 and unemployment to rise to 4.6% by early 2027. The bank said households are shifting budgets rather than cutting back. Markets see about a 60% chance of another rate hike in May.
Woodside Energy Restarts North West Shelf LNG After Cyclone as Australia Eyes Gas Security
Woodside Energy has restarted LNG and domestic gas production at its North West Shelf project in Western Australia after Cyclone Narelle halted operations. Chevron’s Wheatstone LNG plant remains fully offline, with repairs expected to take weeks. The Australian government may trigger the ADGSM to secure local gas supply as east-coast shortages loom. Brent crude closed at $109.03 a barrel, up nearly 8% amid ongoing supply concerns.
BHP closes $4.3 billion Antamina silver deal, unlocking cash for copper push
BHP Group received a $4.3 billion upfront payment from Wheaton Precious Metals after finalizing a silver streaming deal tied to its share of Peru’s Antamina mine output. The agreement gives Wheaton rights to 33.75% of BHP’s silver from Antamina until 100 million ounces are delivered, then 22.5% after, with settlement via metal credits. BHP retains full exposure to copper, zinc, and lead from the mine.
Stellantis, Leapmotor Explore Brampton EV Production as C10 “Leap Mode” Proves Fictional
Stellantis is in early talks with China’s Leapmotor to build electric vehicles at its idled Brampton, Ontario, plant, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Stellantis shares rose 4.1% in Milan after the news. The discussions follow Canada’s recent move to lower tariffs on some Chinese EVs and seek joint-venture investment. Stellantis holds a 21% stake in Leapmotor and controls Leapmotor International.
RELX PLC Reaffirms Strong 2026 Outlook in April Investor Update as AI Fears Linger
RELX reaffirmed its forecast for strong revenue and adjusted operating profit growth in a new investor presentation Thursday. The company reported 2025 revenue of £9.6 billion and an adjusted operating margin of 34.8%. RELX shares remain down 36% over the past year amid investor concerns about AI competition. The group is conducting a £350 million share buyback through April 22.
Tesco PLC keeps UK grocery lead as inflation holds ahead of April results
Tesco’s UK grocery market share rose to 28.0% in the 12 weeks to March 22, with sales up 5.0%, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. Sainsbury’s increased its share to 15.6%, while Lidl’s sales jumped 9.6%. Grocery inflation held at 4.3%. Tesco will report preliminary results on April 16.
UK Diesel Hits £2 a Litre in Southern England as Record March Fuel Rise Squeezes Drivers
UK diesel prices neared £2 a litre at some southern England stations this week, with March seeing record monthly increases amid Middle East tensions and rising crude. RAC data showed average diesel up 40p to 182.77p a litre, pushing a 55-litre fill above £100 for the first time since 2022. Asda reported temporary shortages at some sites, but industry groups said national supply remains stable. Brent crude traded near $107.50 a barrel Thursday.
Prudential plc fixes $13.83 scrip dividend price as 2026 buyback rolls on
Steven, 60, missing from Ingoldmells near Skegness since March 26, was found Wednesday, ending a police appeal. Petrol prices in Skegness ranged from 149.7p to 155.9p per litre on Thursday, with nearby Mablethorpe stations posting up to 163.9p. Police expect over 250,000 daily visitors on the Lincolnshire coast for Easter, with heavy traffic and increased patrols planned.
Aviva plc says accidental damage now tops home insurance claims as costs jump 63%
Accidental damage accounted for 32% of Aviva’s home insurance claims over four years, with average claim values up 63% to £1,869 in 2026. Property insurance claims across the UK hit a record £6.1 billion in 2025, while average premiums fell to £379. Televisions made up 18% of Aviva’s accidental-damage claims. Aviva reports first-quarter results on May 14.
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA Exits TAP Sale, Leaving Lufthansa and Air France-KLM to Compete for Portugal’s Flag Carrier
International Consolidated Airlines Group has withdrawn from bidding for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, leaving Lufthansa and Air France-KLM as the only known contenders. Portugal is selling 44.9% of TAP, with non-binding offers due Thursday. IAG cited a lack of a path to majority control and will focus on internal growth. TAP’s Lisbon slots and South Atlantic routes remain the main attractions for bidders.
UK Stock Market Today: FTSE 100 Ends Higher as BP, Shell Ride Oil Spike
London’s FTSE 100 rose 0.6% Thursday, led by Shell, BP, and AstraZeneca, after Britain announced talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The FTSE 250 fell 0.2%. U.S. crude surged over 11% as President Trump signaled intensified attacks on Iran. A Bank of England survey showed firms expect higher price increases, with traders now fully pricing in two rate hikes this year.
Australia Stock Market Today: ASX 200 Falls 1.1% as Iran War Fears Hit Shares Before Easter Break
Australian shares fell 1.1% Thursday, their steepest drop since March, after U.S. President Trump signaled more strikes on Iran with no end date for the war. Miners led losses as Rio Tinto dropped 3.3% and BHP 2.5%. The Australian dollar slid 0.6% to $0.6882. Prime Minister Albanese announced up to A$1 billion in interest-free loans for critical businesses as fuel market disruptions deepen.
3i Group plc shares rebound as insider buying follows Action-led selloff
3i Group shares climbed 3.99% to 2,687 pence Thursday, continuing a rebound after a steep drop linked to slower growth at its key asset, Action. The stock remains about 40% below its October high and trades at a near 20% discount to net asset value. Director Peter Wirtz bought 25,000 shares on March 30. Annual results are due May 14.
National Grid plc Advances LionLink as BritNed Turns 15, Deepening UK-Netherlands Power Trade
Tesla delivered 358,023 vehicles in the first quarter, missing analyst expectations and sending shares down 4.2%. Production outpaced deliveries by over 50,000 units, raising concerns about unsold inventory. Tesla’s China-made Model 3 and Model Y sales rose, but its share of China’s EV market slipped to 8%. Full first-quarter results are due April 22.