Markets, M&A & Middle East tensions: oil dips, confidence slumps, AI & pharma deals surge

Trump extends Iran strike pause as oil pulls back; $22bn Corebridge–Equitable merger and Novartis' $2bn buy; plus UK autos, US beef, AI cloud, Ukraine aid, and a $691m dam contract. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Share with friend    View in browser DECODED Explorer March 27, 2026 LATEST NEWS UK consumer confidence plunges amid escalating Iran conflict UK consumer confidence is weakening as the escalating Iran conflict drives uncertainty across global energy markets and economic outlooks. Corebridge, Equitable agree to $22bn all-stock merger The merged entity will have $1.5tn in assets under management and administration and serve more than 12 million clients.   Warning signs flash for US retail bank customer satisfaction: JD Power Primary bank relationships face heightened attrition risk, according to the JD Power 2026 US Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. More customers switching across multiple institutions, creating opportunities for banks with stellar customer experience.   Nebius launches AI Cloud 3.5 with serverless AI compute The update brings serverless AI, new GPU options, data transfer tools and marketplace enhancements for cloud users.   Oil prices dip as Trump extends Iran attack pause By 06:08 GMT, Brent futures had fallen by $0.04 to $107.97/bbl and WTI futures had dropped by $0.40 to $94.08/bbl.   FlatironDragados JV secures $691m USACE contract for Howard Hanson Dam The facility will support fish migration, flood management and water reliability along the Green River near Seattle.   Novartis to acquire Excellergy for $2bn upfront The acquisition will provide access to the half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody, Exl-111.   Q&A: how mine tailings technologies will make liability lucrative MICA's network director explains how emerging technologies are transforming mine tailings from "junk" into "a huge opportunity".   Why UK automotive output is on a new and lower base UK car output in February was down 10.7% to 65,885 units, while CV volumes dropped 74.0% to 2,176 units.   JBS paints bleak landscape for US beef as cattle shortages persist Wesley Batista, the CEO of JBS USA, said the opening quarter of 2026 is "probably the most challenging we've seen in this industry in a very long time". The Middle East Conflict Executive Briefing: Strategic Intelligence Trump's "America First" focus on homeland security, combined with a rejection of foreign entanglements, appears to be contradicted by his launching a major new war in the Middle East. The Iranian regime has never been weaker, economically and politically. This briefing examines various scenarios for the conflict, including our base case assumption, as well as the potential implications for key sectors. Request a Sample Build a tailored solution with expert consultants Extend your research capabilities with a solution that is built with you, for your bespoke business requirements. Request Demo Expand your subscription to other sectors   Subscribe to our other newsletters here. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. Prefer a podcast? Instant Insights ranks in the top 10% of podcasts globally - follow us on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and Amazon Music.   What keeps your CEO up at night? Generative AI, ESG, and disruptive technologies.  What is thematic intelligence and why do business executives need it?   Predict the future Find business opportunities based on 150 million+ signals showing what your customers and competitors will do in the next 5 years. GlobalData  At GlobalData we have a proven track record in helping thousands of companies, government organizations, and industry professionals benefit from faster, more informed decisions. You can update your communication preferences to make sure you receive the right information for you.  GlobalData, John Carpenter House | Registered in England No. 03925319, John Carpenter Street, London, EC4Y 0AN, United Kingdom   Unsubscribe  |   Manage Preferences London