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Latest Business News

📅March 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Escalating Iran conflict drives oil prices to near $100/barrel, disrupts energy supply chains, boosts data center investments, pressures private credit amid global trade tensions.
1

Oil Prices Surge as Energy Supply Risks Persist

Brent crude trades at $98.19, up 7%, amid ongoing Middle East tensions and supply disruptions.Source 2 Energy sector outperforms while other markets trade flat or red.Source 1 Global spike in oil could jolt China out of deflation but poses risks.Source 1

2

Qatar LNG Shutdown Impacts Global Helium Supply

Qatar's halt in LNG production removes a third of global helium output, hitting chipmakers reliant on it for semiconductors.Source 1 This exacerbates supply chain strains in tech manufacturing.Source 1 Affected sectors include memory chips and AI computing.Source 1

3

Iran Threatens New Targets Amid US Efforts to Curb Oil Prices

Iranian Supreme Leader issues threats as US aims to tame soaring oil prices from regional conflict.Source 2 Escalation contributes to crude gains and market volatility.Source 2 Investors monitor for further disruptions in key oil routes.Source 2

4

Ships Struck in Strait of Hormuz, Triggering Oil Reserve Releases

Iran war sees ships hit in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting taps into global oil reserves including Canada's.Source 5 This aims to mitigate supply shocks from the conflict.Source 5 Rising oil impacts grocery prices and mortgages worldwide.Source 5

5

Big Tech Commits Nearly $100 Billion More to Data Centers

Tech giants confirm additional $100 billion in data center leases, pushing total past $700 billion.Source 2 Surge underscores massive infrastructure push amid AI boom.Source 2 Deals include future leases previously reported.Source 2

6

Private Credit Faces Squeeze from Banks and Retail Investors

Private credit industry pressured by retail redemption concerns and bank remarking of loans, like JP Morgan's actions.Source 2 Key financing sources from banking and retail cash under strain.Source 2 Firms like Blue Owl see shares drop despite loan sales.Source 2

7

Blue Owl Defends $1.4 Billion Loan Sale Amid Share Decline

Blue Owl completes $1.4 billion loan sale without backstops, but shares fall 4%.Source 2 Firm also secures $240 million for Minneapolis data center.Source 2 Highlights tensions in private credit growth.Source 2

8

Middle Powers Rethink Trade Roles in Global Turbulence

Countries like Japan and Europe derisk trade amid US tariffs under Trump and China's export bans.Source 3 Focus on reducing overreliance in tech, AI, and critical sectors.Source 3 Multinationals urged to gain situational awareness in disrupted environment.Source 3

9

China Prioritizes Boosting Domestic Demand in New Five-Year Plan

Beijing emphasizes rebalancing economy toward domestic consumption amid foreign uncertainties.Source 1 Echoes prior calls but gains urgency with global oil spikes and trade issues.Source 1 Aims to counter deflationary pressures.Source 1

10

Asian Tech Sector Resilient with Capital Inflows

US tech equities hold firm as investors shift capital to Asian tech, including memory chips.Source 1 Sector shows strength despite broader market reds.Source 1 Supports sustainable growth in region.Source 1

11

BlackRock Invests $100M to Address US Skilled Worker Shortage

BlackRock warns of insufficient trades workers for infrastructure boom, invests $100 million in training.Source 4 CEO Larry Fink highlights need to compete globally.Source 4 Targets skilled labor gaps in key sectors.Source 4

12

Trump Signals Dominance as Iran's Military Systems Collapse

Trump administration asserts control over Iran amid military breakdowns and Strait of Hormuz fights.Source 6 Escalation ties to rising oil prices and supply security.Source 6 Aims to secure critical trade routes.Source 6