PixVerse $300 million funding provides new capital for the Alibaba-backed startup developing AI video generation technology. The investment reflects strong global demand for generative AI tools as venture capital flows into startups building automated systems for digital content creation.

Key Highlights

• PixVerse secured $300 million funding to expand artificial intelligence video generation technology and computing infrastructure.
• The Alibaba-backed startup develops systems that convert text prompts and images into short AI-generated videos.
• Generative AI startups attracted more than $25 billion in venture investment globally during 2023.
• Global spending on artificial intelligence systems could exceed $300 billion by 2026, according to IDC forecasts.

PixVerse has raised $300 million in funding, positioning the Alibaba-backed startup among the latest companies attracting major investment in generative artificial intelligence, particularly in AI-powered video generation tools.

The funding round will support PixVerse’s plans to expand its AI video platform, increase computing capacity, and develop new products for automated video creation. The development was first reported by Bloomberg and highlights growing investor interest in startups focused on generative AI video solutions.

PixVerse builds AI models that transform text prompts or images into short video clips. These systems rely on machine learning trained on large visual datasets to automatically generate digital content, enabling users to produce videos without manual editing.

Surge in AI Video Investment

The $300 million PixVerse funding reflects a broader surge in venture capital investment in generative AI companies. According to PitchBook’s Generative AI Market Report, investors committed over $25 billion to generative AI startups globally in 2023, with the United States and China accounting for the largest share.

AI video technology has emerged as a key segment of this market. Research firm MarketsandMarkets estimates the global generative AI market could reach roughly $110 billion by 2030, driven by the adoption of automated tools for creating text, images, and video content.

Countries such as the United States and China lead in developing generative AI models, while emerging ecosystems are growing in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.

Alibaba Link and Industry Outlook

PixVerse’s funding also reflects continued involvement from major technology companies. Alibaba, which backs PixVerse, reported about $130.35 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024 and has increased its investment in AI through cloud computing and research initiatives.

Competition in AI-generated video is intensifying, with startups developing models capable of producing realistic short video clips from written prompts. Industry forecasts from International Data Corporation (IDC) indicate that global spending on AI systems could exceed $300 billion by 2026, driven by rapid adoption across technology and digital media sectors.

The PixVerse $300 million funding adds to the wave of investment supporting startups developing generative AI platforms for automated content creation.

FAQs

Q1. What is PixVerse and what technology does it develop?
PixVerse develops artificial intelligence systems that generate short videos from text prompts or images.

Q2. How much funding has PixVerse raised?
PixVerse raised $300 million in a funding round backed by investors including Alibaba.

Q3. Why is investment increasing in AI video startups?
Companies are investing in generative AI tools that automate digital content creation, including text, images and videos.

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Bitcoin fell about 2% on Thursday as oil surged back above $100 after tanker attacks in Iraqi waters. Markets got weak across crypto and stocks, though large Bitcoin holders were seen buying the dip during the fall. 

Key Highlights

• Bitcoin dropped 2% on Thursday while oil touched $100 a barrel again. 
• Two oil tankers were attacked in Iraqi waters, pushing up oil prices by as much as 10.5%.
• Bitcoin was hovering around $69,600 in early Thursday morning trading in Asia.
• Analysts saw evidence of big Bitcoin holders buying the dip as prices dropped.
• Markets for stocks and crypto alike fell as risk appetite wilted.

Bitcoin Slips as Oil, Iran War Stir Markets

Bitcoin fell as much as 2% on Thursday, with oil shooting back above $100 a barrel after attacks on two oil tankers in Iraqi waters. Markets reacted fast and hard to the news. Stocks dropped, oil shot up and Bitcoin tumbled with everything else as investors retreated from riskier wagers. During the early Asian session, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $69,600.

Oil surged 10.5% on the tanker attack news, which brought new fear to markets already watching the Iran conflict very closely. When oil gets that volatile in a single session it rattles confidence everywhere else. Bitcoin was not spared. Big events like this tend to put markets into quiet and cautious mode, and Thursday definitely felt like one of those.

Bitcoin Has Held Up Better Than Most People Thought

Since the US and Israel launched their bombing campaign against Iran on February 28, Bitcoin has actually fared better than many anticipated. It was among the first assets to plunge that weekend when most other markets were shut. But it quickly recovered and in recent days had risen above $73,000 again as some investors stepped into it in search of something liquid they could buy or sell quickly.

The market had been awaiting some selling around the $70,000 level after a recent run-up, said one analyst at BTC Markets. But the overall picture remains murky amid swinging oil prices and an uncertain situation in the Middle East. That kind of background noise tends to make people cautious and big moves in either direction difficult to sustain for long.

Some Major Buyers Were Moving In as Prices Fell

Not everyone was selling. Analysts noted that large holders of Bitcoin, were actually buying while prices dropped. One analyst at Amina Bank said the setup for a short-term recovery looked more positive than the headlines suggested. He pointed to funding rates on Bitcoin futures falling to their lowest level in nearly five weeks, something that has historically come before strong price rebounds.

He added that negative monthly funding rates have appeared only ten times since 2018 and each time they were followed by strong gains in the weeks and months afterwards. The combination of big buyers stepping in and funding rates hitting a low point is the type of signal traders often watch closely. 

FAQs

1.Why did the bitcoin price fall on Thursday?

The Bitcoin price on Thursday rose because 2 oil tankers were attacked in Iraq, which caused the oil price to rise to $100 again. 

2. How much did Bitcoin fall on Thursday?

Bitcoin fell 2% on Thursday, to around $69,600 during the trading session in Asia. 

3. Did oil increase and how much?

After the tanker attack, Brent crude rose by up to 10% marking its biggest gains in one single day. 

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Gold fell 0.4% on Thursday as a stronger dollar and fading expectations for rate cuts weighed on prices. Rising oil costs are fueling inflation concerns while US PCE inflation data on Friday may shape the next move.

Highlights

• Gold fell 0.4% to $5,153.79 an ounce on Thursday as the US dollar strengthened.
• April US gold futures were down 0.4% to $5,159.20.
• When the dollar falls, gold jumps higher for buyers using other currencies. 
• Rising oil prices are also rising inflation concerns 
• Iran has given the world a dire warning to prepare for oil to hit $200 a barrel.

Gold Drops as Stronger Dollar Weighs Down

Gold rates fell on Thursday. The US dollar gained strength and that moved gold lower. Spot gold fell 0.4% to $5,153.79 an ounce. April US gold futures dropped the same amount to $5,159.20. When the dollar rises, gold tends to fall. That’s because gold is priced in dollars, and when the dollar gets stronger it becomes more expensive for people in other nations to purchase.

And it was not only the dollar that was causing the havoc. The other factor is concern that US interest rates will remain high for longer than people had hoped. When rates are high, holding gold is much less attractive as gold doesn’t pay interest. So when rate cut hopes wane, money tends to flow out of gold and into everything else. Both of those forces were worked against gold on Thursday at the same time.

Oil Is Making the Problem Worse

The actual story here is oil. Because of the war in the Middle East, prices have been skyrocketing and Iran has now warned the world to get ready for oil to reach $200 a barrel. That is an alarming number. The International Energy Agency moved quickly and announced it would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stockpiles to try to avoid prices climbing even higher.

When oil goes up, the cost of almost everything else follows. Fuel prices are up, the freight cost to move goods is more expensive, the cost of making things have gone up. That pushes inflation higher. And the US Federal Reserve does not lower rates when inflation is high. So dollar becomes stronger because no rate cuts are coming. A stronger dollar means it becomes cheaper to sell gold and more expensive to buy. It’s a chain of events, and right now every link in that chain isn’t good for gold.

The Next Big Signal Will Be Friday Data

Focus now shifts to US inflation data due out on Friday. The closely watched number is known as PCE, which stands for personal consumption expenditures. It is the Federal Reserve’s favoured method of assessing how quickly prices are growing throughout the economy. But a Friday reading comes in greater than expected would make rate cuts less likely and could take a little more steam out of gold in the near term.

That said, gold still hovers above $5,150 an ounce which is an extremely high price by any historical standard. And it’s not like people are just totally walking away from gold. There is plenty else going on in the world to get investors anxious, a war in the Middle East, climbing oil prices, new trade tensions after the US opened probes against 16 countries. Gold is having a bad day yet the long term has not altered enough to indicate that a massive turn in selling is on its way. Data out Friday will determine the direction of successive moves.

FAQs

1.Why was gold down on Thursday? 

Prices of gold fell 0.4% on the day amid a stronger US dollar and receding hopes for interest rate cuts.

2. What’s oil got to do with gold? 

Higher oil is inflationary, making rate cuts less likely, and keeps the dollar buoyant and gold in their minds a less viable asset to hold.

3. What’s on the radar this week for gold investors? 

U.S. PCE inflation data is due on Friday and will deliver the clearest signal yet on whether the Federal Reserve could be cutting rates in the near term.

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Disruptions to the fertilizer supply chain caused by the Iran conflict could drive global food prices higher as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz face major interruptions, CNBC reported. Economists warn that fertilizer shortages may raise agricultural costs and reduce crop yields, potentially adding to inflation pressures already driven by higher energy prices.

Key highlights

• Fertilizer supply chain disruptions could push global food prices higher
• More than one-third of global fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz
• Urea fertilizer import prices in the US jumped 30% within a week
• Economists warn food-at-home inflation could rise by about 2 percentage points
• Fertilizer producer CF Industries shares surge amid supply concerns

Fertilizer shipments through Strait of Hormuz at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran could disrupt global fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for agricultural inputs.

According to analysts cited by CNBC, more than one-third of globally traded fertilizer passes through the strait, making it a critical artery for agricultural supply chains.

Commercial shipping activity in the route has largely stalled since the war began late last month, threatening deliveries just as farmers across the Northern Hemisphere prepare fields for spring planting.

Economists warn of rising food inflation

Wolfe Research chief economist Stephanie Roth reportedly warned that fertilizer shortages could trigger a knock-on effect on food prices.

“Beyond energy, another risk receiving less attention is the potential knock-on effect on food prices, as fertilizer shortages push agricultural costs higher,” Roth said in a note cited by CNBC.

Roth estimated that the disruption could raise US “food-at-home” inflation by around 2 percentage points, adding roughly 0.15 percentage points to headline inflation, on top of about 0.40 percentage point from higher energy costs.

Timing threatens crop yields for major staples

The disruption comes at a critical time for global agriculture.

Fertilizers are typically applied early in the crop cycle and help determine crop yields later in the year.

If supplies tighten during this period, farmers could reduce fertilizer usage, which may lead to lower production of major crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and rice, according to Roth.

Fertilizer prices already rising

Industry economists say fertilizer prices have already started to climb.

Data compiled by The Fertilizer Institute, cited by CNBC, showed the price of urea fertilizer imports into the United States jumped about 30% between the weeks ending Feb. 27 and March 6, which included the start of the conflict.

Urea, a nitrogen-based fertilizer widely used to boost crop yields, is among the most heavily traded fertilizers shipped through the Gulf region.

Veronica Nigh, chief economist at The Fertilizer Institute, reportedly said the impact could eventually reach consumers.

“This is a global impact on fertilizer costs,” Nigh told CNBC, adding that higher costs are likely to be passed on to consumers if disruptions persist.

Global ripple effects expected

The impact of fertilizer supply disruptions could extend far beyond the United States.

Asia and Africa are particularly dependent on fertilizer exports from the Gulf region.

Countries such as India rely heavily on Gulf supplies, while several African economies depend on imported raw materials used to produce fertilizers.

The United States also relies on global fertilizer markets, importing about 20% of its fertilizer needs, with nitrogen fertilizers sourced from countries including Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Russia.

Fertilizer producers gain from supply shock

While farmers and consumers could face higher costs, fertilizer producers may benefit from the supply shock.

Shares of CF Industries reached an all-time high earlier this week and have gained nearly 10% over the past week, marking the company’s largest multiday advance since 2022, CNBC reported.

FAQs

Q1: Why could food prices rise due to the Iran conflict?
The conflict is disrupting fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which may increase agricultural costs and reduce crop yields.

Q2: How much fertilizer trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz?
More than one-third of globally traded fertilizer passes through the shipping route.

Q3: How much have fertilizer prices risen so far?
Urea fertilizer import prices in the United States jumped around 30% within a week following the start of the conflict.

Q4: Who could benefit from the disruption?
Fertilizer producers such as CF Industries may benefit from higher fertilizer prices.

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Anthropic is discussing an AI joint venture with private equity firms including Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman to expand enterprise AI deployment as global spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure continues rising.

Key Highlights

• Anthropic AI joint venture discussions involve private equity firms Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman.
• Proposed venture would help companies deploy Anthropic AI tools and enterprise software solutions.
• Anthropic raised $30 billion in 2026, valuing the AI company at about $380 billion.
• Global AI infrastructure spending could reach about $650 billion in 2026.

Anthropic AI joint venture discussions are underway as the company explores a partnership with private equity firms, including Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman, to create a consulting and deployment venture focused on enterprise AI services.

The proposed Anthropic AI joint venture would help businesses adopt and integrate Anthropic’s systems into their operations. The development was first reported by The Information, which said the discussions involve creating a new structure combining Anthropic’s technology with private equity capital and consulting expertise.

The talks remain at an early stage, and the structure, ownership, and financial details have not been finalised. The proposed venture is expected to assist companies with tasks such as software development, customer service automation, and internal data analysis.

Enterprise demand rises

The potential Anthropic AI joint venture comes as businesses worldwide increase spending on generative systems. Companies are deploying these models to automate workflows, process large volumes of data, and support software development.

Global investment in infrastructure and computing capacity for these systems is expected to reach about $650 billion in 2026, driven by the expansion of data centres and the growing use of advanced applications.

Enterprise adoption is concentrated in major technology markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, where companies are integrating these systems into core business processes.

Company growth and funding

Anthropic has grown rapidly as demand from businesses increases. The company develops the Claude family of large language models, which are used by companies to generate text, assist programmers, and analyse documents.

In 2026, Anthropic raised $30 billion in funding, valuing the company at roughly $380 billion, one of the largest private technology funding rounds to date. The company has also reported about $14 billion in annualised revenue, reflecting strong adoption of its enterprise products.

If finalised, the Anthropic AI joint venture could provide a new channel for deploying the company’s technology through consulting and implementation services. The discussions are ongoing and may still change before any formal agreement is reached.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Anthropic AI joint venture being discussed?
Anthropic is reportedly discussing a joint venture with private equity firms to provide AI consulting and deployment services for businesses.

Q2. Which firms are involved in the Anthropic AI partnership talks?
Private equity firms Blackstone and Hellman & Friedman are among those involved in the reported discussions.

Q3. How much is Anthropic valued at in 2026?
Anthropic raised $30 billion in funding in 2026, valuing the company at approximately $380 billion.

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All four major Australian banks are now forecasting three consecutive increases in RBA rates. The last of the four big banks include, ANZ, CBA, Westpac and NAB. Growing inflation, an overheated jobs market and climbing oil prices are stoking the calls.

Highlights

• ANZ and the other three banks of Australia warned for three consecutive rate hikes.
• CBA, Westpac, and NAB all moved their forecasts the day prior to ANZ’s call.
• All four banks now see the RBA lifting rates by 25bp at its meeting next Tuesday.
• Pushing the forecasts are hot inflation, a tight labour market and rising oil prices due to events in the Middle East.

Triple rate hikes: ANZ tells Australians to be ready

ANZ has become the last of the big four banks to issue a warning that Australian mortgage holders should prepare for three consecutive interest rate hikes. ANZ made its call after CBA, Westpac and NAB all revised their cash rate forecasts the previous day. All of that means all four of Australia’s big lenders are now interpreting the economy the same way, and they have not got good news for borrowers.

The shift in predictions followed a series of data suggesting inflation is still running too hot, the jobs market is stretched tight, and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up oil prices in a way that’s likely to keep piling on price pressures throughout the Australian economy. The near-simultaneous move from all four banks tells you how clear the picture has become to those analysts watching this up close.

What Banks Now Expect From the RBA

The Big Four banks now all see the Reserve Bank raising the cash rate by 25 basis points next Tuesday. That in itself would not be surprising. But what’s different now is that the banks are calling for a second 25 basis point increase at the subsequent meeting in May, and a third hike is also on the list of options as well later in 2023.

Three consecutive hikes would be a major squeeze for Australian mortgage holders who have only recently started to ease after a hiking cycle that began in 2022 and was finally done by the start of 2024. And many borrowers built their financial lives around the notion that rates were near a peak. The implication of three further increases now being pencilled in by all four of Australia’s major banks is going to shift the mindset of many households very rapidly.

Why Have All the Banks Recently Changed Their Forecasts

All three reasons for the forecast change are occurring simultaneously. Inflation continues to sit above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2 to 3% target band and isn’t coming down quickly enough for comfort. The labour market remains extremely tight, keeping wage pressures elevated and making it difficult for inflation to abate on its own. And the conflict in the Middle East has propelled oil prices to their highest level in nearly four years, introducing a new channel of price pressure that wasn’t on anyone’s radar only months ago.

It gives the RBA very little room at all to sit on its hands when those three things connect. Cutting rates is no longer an option and sitting on the sideline makes it seem like they are falling behind. The banks have done their sums and, lo and behold, all four have arrived at the same answer, the RBA needs to act again, and probably more than once. That answer is going to cost money for Australians with a home loan.

FAQs

1. Which banks are forecasting 3 rate hikes? 

Every single one of the big four banks, ANZ, CBA, Westpac and NAB, is now, projecting three consecutive RBA rate increases.

2. What is the next RBA meeting?

The RBA meets again next Tuesday, where all four banks see it lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points at that meeting.

3. Why are banks expecting further hikes? 

Inflation is higher than target, the labour market is too tight and US oil prices rising from the Middle East conflict are accentuating price pressures.

4. What does that mean for mortgage owners? 

Three rises would see an increase in the mortgage repayments of any borrower with a variable-rate home loan, and could further crush household budgets.

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Microsoft AI Africa expansion is accelerating as the company strengthens infrastructure and training programs across emerging markets. The move follows growing competition from Chinese AI developer DeepSeek, whose lower-cost models are gaining adoption in several developing economies including parts of Africa.

Key Highlights

• Microsoft AI Africa expansion focuses on infrastructure, cloud access and digital skills development across emerging markets.
• DeepSeek holds about 18% AI market share in Ethiopia and 17% in Zimbabwe.
• Microsoft plans approximately $80 billion investment in AI data center infrastructure in fiscal 2025.
• AI adoption remains higher in developed economies than in emerging markets, according to Microsoft analysis.

Microsoft AI Africa expansion is gaining momentum as the technology company strengthens artificial intelligence programs across the continent, while competition from Chinese AI developer DeepSeek grows in emerging markets.

The Microsoft AI Africa expansion strategy focuses on infrastructure investment, digital skills programs and broader access to artificial intelligence tools in countries where adoption is still developing. The move comes as global technology firms compete to establish influence in fast-growing digital economies across Africa and other parts of the Global South.

DeepSeek Gains Ground in Emerging Markets

Data referenced in the Microsoft AI Africa expansion strategy shows DeepSeek is gaining users in several developing countries where lower-cost AI tools are attracting businesses and developers.

Research cited by Microsoft indicates DeepSeek’s models hold about 18% market share in Ethiopia and 17% in Zimbabwe, while adoption is also rising in Uganda and Niger. Outside Africa, the company’s presence is stronger in countries such as Belarus (56%), Cuba (49%), and Russia (43%), where Western platforms face regulatory or economic barriers.

Industry observers say the company’s growth is linked to the release of its R1 reasoning model, designed to complete complex tasks while requiring lower computing costs than many existing AI systems.

Microsoft Expands AI Investment

The Microsoft AI Africa expansion also reflects broader investment plans as the company increases spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure worldwide.

Microsoft expects to invest about $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 to build and expand AI-enabled data centres that power cloud and artificial intelligence services. Cloud computing remains central to the company’s strategy as demand for AI tools grows among businesses and governments.

Microsoft reported $281.7 billion in revenue and $128.5 billion in operating income for fiscal 2025, with its Azure cloud platform generating more than $75 billion in annual revenue, according to company filings.

Global AI Adoption Gap

The Microsoft AI Africa expansion comes as global research highlights a growing gap in AI adoption between developed and developing regions.

According to Microsoft’s analysis of global technology usage, about 24.7% of the working-age population in developed economies uses AI tools, compared with 14.1% in developing regions. Limited access to computing infrastructure, reliable electricity and high-speed internet continues to slow adoption in several countries.

The Microsoft AI Africa expansion aims to address these barriers by increasing infrastructure capacity, improving access to cloud computing and supporting local technology ecosystems.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Microsoft expanding its AI operations in Africa?
Microsoft is expanding AI infrastructure and training programs in Africa as demand for artificial intelligence tools grows in emerging markets.

Q2. What role is DeepSeek playing in the global AI market?
DeepSeek is gaining adoption in several emerging economies by offering lower-cost AI models that appeal to developers and businesses.

Q3. How much is Microsoft investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure?
Microsoft plans to invest about $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 to expand AI-enabled data centers and cloud infrastructure.

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Gestala has secured $21.6 million in angel funding to develop a non-invasive brain-computer interface using ultrasound technology. The Chinese startup plans to expand research, grow its workforce and complete a prototype by 2026 as investment rises across the global brain-computer interface industry.

Key Highlights

• Gestala raised $21.6 million in angel funding to develop a non-invasive brain-computer interface.
• The brain-computer interface startup is valued between $100 million and $200 million.
• Gestala aims to complete its first brain-computer interface prototype by 2026.
• Global brain-computer interface market projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2029, according to BCC Research.

Chinese neurotechnology startup Gestala has raised $21.6 million (150 million yuan) in an angel funding round to develop a non-invasive brain-computer interface based on ultrasound technology.

The investment was co-led by Guosheng Capital and Dalton Venture, with participation from Qingsong Capital, Gobi Ventures, Fourier Intelligence, Liepin and Seas Capital. The round values the brain-computer interface startup between $100 million and $200 million, according to investor disclosures.

Founded in 2026 by entrepreneur Phoenix Peng, Gestala is building a brain-computer interface that uses ultrasound waves to interact with neural activity through the skull. Unlike implant-based systems that require surgery to place electrodes in the brain, the company’s technology is designed as a non-invasive brain-computer interface.

The startup plans to use the new funding to expand research and development, recruit additional engineers and researchers, and build manufacturing capacity in China.

Gestala currently has about 15 employees and plans to expand its team to roughly 35 people by the end of the year. The company is targeting completion of a first-generation brain-computer interface prototype by the end of 2026.

Medical use cases under study

A brain-computer interface allows brain signals to communicate with computers or medical devices. Researchers are studying how this technology could help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Gestala’s ultrasound brain-computer interface is initially being developed for chronic pain treatment. The company is also exploring potential applications for stroke rehabilitation, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The startup is also considering partnerships with hospitals to support clinical studies and collect brain-signal data that could help refine its brain-computer interface technology.

Growing investment in the brain-computer interface sector

According to the “Brain-Computer Interface: Global Markets” report by BCC Research, the global brain-computer interface market was valued at about $2.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $4.5 billion by 2029.

Other estimates from Precedence Research suggest the global brain-computer interface industry could exceed $13 billion by 2035, driven by demand for medical and assistive technologies.

The United States currently leads the brain-computer interface market, while China has increased funding and research programs aimed at strengthening its presence in the sector.

Companies across North America, Europe and Asia are developing a range of brain-computer interface systems, including implantable neural chips and non-invasive approaches such as ultrasound and optical technologies.

FAQs

Q1. What is Gestala’s brain-computer interface technology?
Gestala is developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface that uses ultrasound waves to interact with brain activity without implants.

Q2. How much funding did Gestala raise?
Gestala raised about $21.6 million (150 million yuan) in an angel funding round led by venture investors.

Q3. What is the size of the global brain-computer interface market?
Industry reports estimate the global BCI market at around $2–3 billion currently, with projections exceeding $4–13 billion over the next decade depending on the study.

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UK home buyer sentiment weakened in February as geopolitical tensions linked to the Middle East conflict and rising energy prices dampened confidence, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The survey showed a sharp fall in buyer enquiries as concerns about higher mortgage rates weighed on housing demand.

Key highlights

• UK home buyer enquiries fall sharply in February, RICS survey shows
• New buyer enquiries drop to -26 from -15 in January
• Concerns grow over energy prices and mortgage rate outlook
• House price expectations weaken further
• Tenant demand remains stable in the rental market

Buyer demand

Britain’s housing market showed signs of slowing as demand from potential buyers weakened.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said its measure of new buyer enquiries dropped to a net balance of -26 in February, down from -15 in January, marking the lowest reading since December.

The survey covered the period between February 23 and March 9, which included the early days of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that began on February 28.

Market impact

Rising geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices are adding pressure to the UK housing market.

Higher oil and energy costs could keep mortgage rates elevated, potentially reducing affordability for buyers and slowing housing market activity.

The latest survey suggests confidence among prospective buyers has weakened as uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook increases.

Tarrant Parsons, head of market research and analytics at RICS, reportedly said the geopolitical situation has affected housing market sentiment.

“The deterioration in the geopolitical backdrop has clearly weighed on confidence,” Parsons said.

“The recent rise in oil and energy prices has also increased the likelihood that mortgage rates will remain higher for longer.”

Housing outlook

The survey indicated weaker near-term expectations across several housing indicators.

Near-term sales expectations slipped to a net balance of -2, the lowest level since November.

The house price balance declined to -12 in February, compared with -10 in January, and below economists’ expectations of -9 in a Reuters poll.

Short-term house price expectations also weakened, dropping to -18 from -6 previously.

Rental market

While buyer demand softened, the rental market remained relatively stable.

Tenant demand held steady during the three months to February, according to the survey.

However, new landlord instructions remained deeply negative, suggesting limited supply of rental properties entering the market.

Outlook

Analysts say the UK housing market will likely remain sensitive to developments in global energy prices and interest rate expectations.

If energy costs continue to rise and mortgage rates stay elevated, buyer demand and house price growth could remain under pressure in the months ahead.

FAQs

Q1: What did the RICS survey show about UK housing demand?
The survey showed new buyer enquiries falling to -26 in February, indicating weaker demand.

Q2: Why is housing sentiment weakening?
Concerns about the Middle East conflict, rising energy prices and the possibility of higher mortgage rates are weighing on buyer confidence.

Q3: What happened to house price expectations?
Near-term house price expectations fell sharply to -18, reflecting growing caution in the housing market.

Q4: How is the rental market performing?
Tenant demand remained stable, though new landlord instructions continued to decline.

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The United States has launched a US trade probe into India and 15 other economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act. The investigation will examine manufacturing overcapacity and trade practices. Officials say the probe could lead to tariffs if unfair policies affecting global markets are confirmed.

Key Highlights

• United States launches US trade probe into India and 15 economies under Section 301 investigation.
• Probe examines manufacturing overcapacity and industrial policies affecting global trade competition.
• Countries included range from China and EU to emerging manufacturing hubs across Asia.
• Investigation could lead to new tariffs depending on findings of unfair trade practices.

The United States has opened a new US trade probe into India and 15 other major economies, launching an investigation into alleged unfair trade practices and excess manufacturing capacity that Washington says may affect global competition and American industries.

The inquiry, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), will be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US government to investigate foreign trade policies and impose tariffs or other trade measures if they are found to burden US commerce.

The US trade probe into India also includes China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland and Norway.

Officials said the investigation will examine whether government policies in these economies support production levels that exceed global demand, creating what the United States calls structural manufacturing overcapacity.

Tariff tool revived after legal setback

The US trade probe into India comes after a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court that struck down a key part of the administration’s global tariff framework, weakening the legal basis for several earlier tariffs.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Section 301 investigation could lead to new tariffs on imports if the probe finds that policies in these economies distort global markets.

Section 301 has previously been used by Washington to impose tariffs on imports from China and other trading partners.

Industrial sectors under scrutiny

The investigation will review industrial policies, subsidies and export incentives that may contribute to large-scale manufacturing capacity in sectors where global supply already exceeds demand.

Industry data cited by international agencies shows the scale of the issue. According to estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, global steel production capacity could reach around 2.55 billion metric tons by 2025, with significant surplus capacity remaining in global markets.

Rapid expansion has also been seen in renewable energy manufacturing. Global solar photovoltaic capacity exceeded 2,260 gigawatts by the end of 2024, reflecting strong manufacturing growth and installation worldwide.

Next steps in the investigation

Section 301 investigations typically include public consultations and evidence submissions before the United States decides whether to impose tariffs or other trade measures.

Officials said the process could result in trade actions against imports from some of the countries included in the probe if unfair practices are confirmed.

FAQs

Q1. Why did the US launch a trade probe into India and other countries?
The United States says it is investigating whether government policies create excess manufacturing capacity that distorts global trade.

Q2. What is Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974?
Section 301 allows the US government to investigate unfair foreign trade practices and impose tariffs or restrictions.

Q3. Which countries are included in the US trade probe?
The investigation covers India, China, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and several others.

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