Track the evolution of major financial and economic events
SoFi CEO Anthony Noto purchased $1 million in shares at approximately $17.88 each. The company projects a 30% revenue growth to reach $4.7 billion by 2026, with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise 52% to $1.6 billion. Meanwhile, Muddy Waters claims that SoFi has inflated the fair value of its loan portfolios. Nevertheless, SoFi has expanded its Loan Platform Business with new agreements totaling over $3.6 billion.
Niu Technologies' shares plummeted by 13% on March 16 as global e-scooter sales collapsed by 68%. On March 25, Amprius Technologies secured a $21 million purchase order for lithium-ion batteries, including SiCore® cylindrical cells for light electric vehicles. By the end of March, Also, spun out of Rivian, reached a $1 billion valuation in a new funding round and struck a partnership with DoorDash for autonomous deliveries.
On March 16, Cingulate Inc received approval from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a key patent application related to its ADHD treatment. The patent protects the proprietary technology behind CTx-1301, the company's lead ADHD drug candidate. Following this announcement, Cingulate Inc (CING) shares surged in Monday morning trading.
On March 16, the Canadian Department of National Defence signed a 10-year agreement to lease a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia. This agreement marks a historic milestone in establishing Canada's sovereign launch capability from its own soil. The site operator is Maritime Launch Services Inc., traded under the ticker MAXQ.
US markets are awaiting Micron Technology's earnings results this week as its stock approaches an all-time high. Major US indices experienced significant declines, influenced by the ongoing war in Iran affecting market sentiment. However, companies like Williams-Sonoma and DocuSign reported positive earnings, contributing to improved sentiment towards the end of the month.
On March 16, Apple launched the MacBook Neo at $599, its cheapest laptop to date, along with the iPhone 17e at the same price. This move is seen as a price war aimed at pressuring rivals in the hardware sector. Apple's sales in China surged by 23% in the first nine weeks of this year, despite a 4% downturn in the Chinese smartphone market. There is also strong consumer interest in a potential major form-factor change for Apple. On March 27, Apple announced plans to end its exclusive partnership with ChatGPT and will open Siri to rival AI assistants in iOS 27.
On March 16, Savills PLC completed the acquisition of the US real estate investment bank Eastdil Secured for $1.1 billion. This deal marks the largest acquisition in the history of the British firm Savills. The move aims to strengthen Savills' position in the global real estate finance market and major US transactions.
On March 16, Allegiant and Sun Country announced the early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act waiting period. This action represents receiving U.S. antitrust clearance, a critical step toward completing the acquisition.
On March 16, PTC completed the sale of its Kepware industrial connectivity and ThingWorx IoT businesses to TPG. The company also announced a $375 million accelerated share repurchase program using proceeds from the divestiture. Following the completion of the divestiture, PTC updated its financial guidance for FY'26 and Q2'26.
Ascendis Pharma reported positive two-year data for achondroplasia treatment. Data from the ApproaCH trial, announced on March 16, showed consistent growth improvement in children with achondroplasia using TransCon CNP. Further improvement in body proportionality was observed during the second year of weekly treatment.
On March 16, Meta announced plans to lay off 20% or more of its workforce to offset heavy spending on artificial intelligence, leading to a 3% rise in its shares. On March 24, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million for child safety violations. On April 3, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target for Meta shares to $775 due to a softer advertising environment and forecasts of below-consensus revenues. Additionally, Meta is boosting its investment in the AI data center in West Texas to $10 billion.
On March 16, Public Storage (PSA) announced an agreement to acquire National Storage Affiliates (NSA) in an all-stock transaction. The deal is valued at approximately $10.5 billion. NSA's portfolio includes over 1,000 properties and 69 million rentable square feet.
AeroVironment announced an expansion of its manufacturing capacity in response to surging global demand for attack and counter-drone systems, with a funded backlog growth of 47% year-over-year. The company is rated as a Strong Buy with a price target of $363 per share. Meanwhile, Ukrainian startup Swarmer experienced a significant surge in its stock by 1,100% in two days following its IPO.
Wishbone Gold shares fell 36% to 42p on Monday. Despite this, drill results confirmed gold and copper mineralization along a 4-kilometer trend at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. Notable intercepts included 8.36 meters at 1.09 grams per tonne gold and 0.05% copper.
IDBI Bank shares plummeted by as much as 15.35% to ₹78.05 after reports indicated that the Indian government is set to scrap its privatization plans for the lender. This decision followed financial bids that came in below the reserve price set for the transaction.
Zscaler reported a 26% revenue growth in Q2 FY26, with revenues reaching $816 million. The company's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) hit $3.4 billion, supported by strong free cash flow. Zscaler is transitioning to a hybrid revenue model based on seats and consumption to scale with AI workflows.
On March 16, UniCredit announced a voluntary public takeover bid for the German lender Commerzbank. The takeover bid will be structured as an exchange offer.
On March 15, OrbiMed Advisors increased its stake in RAPT Therapeutics by 556,273 shares during the fourth quarter. RAPT Therapeutics was acquired for $58 per share. Prior to the acquisition, OrbiMed's stake in the company was valued at approximately $56 million.
SINOPEC Engineering (SEG) announced its annual results for 2025, with a dividend payout ratio reaching 88%. The company also initiated its first-ever special dividend distribution. Additionally, newly signed orders exceeded the RMB 100 billion mark for the second consecutive year.
KinderCare Learning (KLC) shares plunged over 40% following management's forecast of significant profit weakness for 2026. Despite this, the company beat Q4 revenue and adjusted EPS expectations. Additionally, the company reduced net debt from $863.6M to $794.3M year-over-year.
On March 13, Agero entered into an agreement to acquire Urgently for $5.50 in cash per share. The acquisition aims to combine the technology and scale of both companies to enhance roadside assistance services. The deal targets the automotive, insurance, fleet, and rental markets.
On March 13, Halliburton (HAL) was upgraded to a 'Strong Buy' rating driven by growth opportunities in Venezuela and North America. The company is expected to benefit from Venezuela's oilfield rehabilitation and increased North American drilling activity. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating favorable tailwinds for the company's global operations.
Sterling's E-Infrastructure revenue surged by 123% in the fourth quarter, driven by the booming demand for data centers. The company's backlog reached record levels following a key acquisition. Volex expects revenues for the year ending March 2026 to hit $1.22 billion, with its shares rising 12% due to increased demand from AI-driven data centers.
LyondellBasell shares slid due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz that severely restricted shipping, impacting oil and refined product supplies. Sourcing naphtha, a key feedstock for the company, has become increasingly difficult. Additionally, shares of other companies fell due to President Trump's threats to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure, negatively affecting the market and prompting investors to flee to safety.
