Daily Business Intelligence - March 12, 2026

Executive Summary

On March 12, 2026, markets reacted to rising oil prices which surged to $100 per barrel, prompting inflation concerns and speculation around possible interest rate hikes. This shift in oil prices is likely to have broader implications for the global economy, especially in major consuming nations. In response, European shares closed lower today as investors reassessed their positions in light of potential inflationary pressures. Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Iran continue to exacerbate these issues, contributing to worries about supply disruptions. In business news, companies are grappling with the impact of rising fuel costs, exemplified by Cebu City considering supplemental budget measures to aid drivers affected by these changes. Meanwhile, controversies are brewing, with David Protein bars facing accusations of misleading consumers regarding calorie content, and a lawsuit involving Windsor Window and Door, claiming mismanagement by an ex-accountant resulted in significant financial losses.

Startups — 8 articles

Startups are navigating a landscape filled with funding concerns, as discussions around billion-dollar valuations and economic collaboration appear amidst rising inflation worries.

• Cortina defeated Sisak and tied the playoff series at 1-1 — Jutarnji List (RS)
• DMM's denial of THY allegations — InternetHaber.com (TR)
• European shares close lower as oil surge sparks inflation worries, rate hike bets — Business Times (SG)
• "Everybody's turnover is billion-billion. You made them official millionaires" - businessman in a meeting with the president — Gazeta.uz (UZ)
• Iran : le Nigeria doit collaborer avec d’autres pays pour faire pression sur Trump – Falana — Channels TV (NG)

Markets — 2 articles

The surge in oil prices is causing market volatility, with investors increasingly focused on the economic implications, including potential rate hikes and inflationary trends.

• Comment la hausse du prix du diesel pourrait affecter l’inflation dans un contexte de guerre en Iran — CBSNews (US)
• Iran, le pétrole remonte à 100. La production mondiale s’effondre et l’Italie libère ses stocks — Il Messaggero (IT)

Business — 6 articles

Businesses are reacting to rising operational costs due to fuel price increases and facing legal and ethical challenges that could impact their reputations and bottom lines.

• Fuel aid for drivers in Cebu City eyed in supplemental budget — Inquirer.net (PH)
• David Protein bars accused of lying about calories — NBC (NA)
• Windsor window and door firm sues ex-accountant, alleging he gambled away $700K — Windsor Star (CA)
• Malaysia remains the GDP target of 4.0 to 4.5 percent — utusen Online (MY)
• 100 asnaf families are treated — myMetro (MY)