SmartLinks Blog

finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 5 min

Iran's strategic oil island thrust into the spotlight as Middle East conflict escalates

Kharg Island serves as the centerpiece for Iran's oil industry, accounting for roughly 90% of the country’s crude exports.

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 2 min

Nvidia backs AI data center startup Nscale as it hits $14.6 billion valuation

Nscale has become a key player in the AI infrastructure buildout

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 3 min

CNBC Daily Open: Oil storms past $100 for first time since 2022

Shortly after the surge, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that "short term oil prices" are "a very small price to pay."

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

Stagflationary forces are building

A weakening US labour market and financial strains come as the Iran war sparks concerns about inflation pressures

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 6 min

Why China can withstand oil's surge past $100 more easily than other countries

The latest Middle East tensions sheds light on how the world's three largest oil consumers have taken different approaches to energy, with global consequences.

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 2 min

European markets set to slump on Middle East turmoil as oil price surges

European stocks are expected to start the new trading week heavily lower as traders track developments in the Middle East and a surge in oil prices.

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

FirstFT: Markets tumble as oil soars past $110 a barrel

Also in today’s newsletter: German state election and Swiss regulation

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

Which leading economies will pay the biggest price for the Iran war?

American consumers will feel pain at the petrol pump, but US is a net energy exporter unlike its European allies

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

Germany seeks to emulate Japan in shoring up critical minerals

BMW and Rheinmetall push for joint purchasing of raw materials to reduce reliance on China

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

Global trading system under ‘unsustainable’ pressure warns UK

Significant reforms required to halt breakdown of rules-based order, says British government

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

Think geopolitics is bad? Look at geoeconomics

Markets suggest the lran ramifications are likely to drag on and spread

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finance

Mar 09, 2026 • 1 min

China’s growth target is a global problem

Beijing’s export offensive could be more destabilising than Trump’s tariffs

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