British charity shops are charging inflated prices that outpace online market values, with one Build-a-Bear plush listed at £25 despite selling for just £3 on eBay. The trend comes as Cancer Research UK announces plans to close nearly 200 locations amid soaring operating costs and tax pressures.
Westpac and NAB predict the Reserve Bank of Australia will hike rates in March and May, pushing the cash rate to 4.35 percent as Middle East conflict drives oil price volatility and inflation concerns. Borrowers with $600,000 mortgages could face $180 monthly increases.
The Writers Guild of America enters 2026 negotiations with studios demanding payment for AI training on scripts and health plan funding. Talks begin March 16 with the current contract expiring May 1.
British Columbia's agricultural real estate market faces disruption as Aboriginal title uncertainties derail ranch sales, with one Conservative MLA reporting collapsed deals and a major 45,000-acre property offering failing to attract bidders.
The College Sports Commission is struggling to process a flood of school-affiliated NIL deals that account for 78% of all compensation value, forcing manual reviews where automation was expected. The surge has drawn White House attention, with President Trump promising an executive order to address spiraling costs in college athletics.
Major hedge funds including Millennium, Citadel, and Balyasny absorbed hundreds of millions in losses last week as oil prices surged nearly 47% following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The spike exposed heavily consensus short positions in crude, while the VIX hit its highest level in 11 months.
Consumer finance advocate Martin Lewis has clarified a widespread misunderstanding about regular savings accounts after a saver received 46 percent less interest than expected from a 7 percent account, explaining that interest only applies to money actually deposited—not the planned total.
Apple's $599 MacBook Neo brings iPhone-powered computing to the budget laptop segment, earning praise from reviewers as the best value laptop under $600. The A18 Pro-powered device outperforms similarly priced Windows machines despite notable compromises on ports and biometrics.
The cryptocurrency market added $140 billion in hours as Bitcoin surged past $70,000, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and Strategy's $1.28 billion purchase. Regulatory progress on the Clarity Act also boosted investor sentiment.
Major UK lenders are raising mortgage rates in response to Middle East conflict, with experts warning rates could hit 5% within weeks. The surge reflects growing fears of energy-driven inflation disrupting global financial markets.
Emmy-winning actress Gillian Anderson has been named Marks & Spencer's first Chief Compliments Officer as part of a new campaign celebrating positive affirmation in fashion. The role coincides with the launch of the British retailer's Spring 2026 collection.
South Africa is launching a new credit-guarantee vehicle backed by $350 million from the World Bank to mobilize $10 billion in private infrastructure investment over the next decade. The program targets power-grid expansion, water systems, ports, and freight rail while reducing sovereign contingent liabilities.
