The Indian rupee fell to a lifetime low on Friday, strained by worries over how the Iran war-spurred surge in oil prices will impact the growth-inflation dynamics and capital ‌flows for the ⁠South Asian ⁠economy.

A prolonged Middle East conflict could significantly worsen the rupee’s outlook, analysts said, warning that persistently high energy prices may push the currency beyond 95 per dollar.

The rupee dropped to 92.4325 per dollar, eclipsing its previous all-time low of 92.3575 hit on Thursday. It was down about 0.2% on the day and has lost 1.5% since the Iran war broke out.

It would likely have fallen further if not for central bank intervention across the spot, non-deliverable forwards and futures markets. ⁠The central ‌bank was active again on Friday, bankers said.

Investors are bracing for a prolonged conflict, with Middle East war approaching the two-week mark and Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba ⁠Khamenei vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane shut.

In addition to the disruption to energy supplies, the war has triggered foreign investor selling of Indian equities worth nearly $5 billion so far this month, compounding the rupee’s woes.
India’s benchmark equity index Nifty 50 has declined 7% since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, and was down more than 1% on Friday.

WEAKENING TRAJECTORY

Economists and analysts at HDFC Bank, Elara Securities, QuantEco Research and MUFG expect the rupee to remain under pressure in ‌the near term.

If oil prices hold around $100 per barrel, their current level, MUFG expects the currency to weaken to about 95.50 by the end of the year. Elara Securities largely concurred, forecasting a range ⁠of 94-95.

“In a left tail risk scenario,” MUFG said in a note, referring to extreme negative events, “if oil sustains at $120/bbl coupled with meaningful energy shortages, we think USD/INR at 97.50 and even higher will look achievable.”

HDFC Bank expects the rupee to trade in a 92-95 range in the coming months if the conflict persists. Economists at QuantEco Research are more pessimistic, forecasting the currency weakening to 98.5 by the end of March 2027 under a $100-per-barrel oil scenario.

Oil prices at $80 per barrel could cap the rupee’s weakness around 93.50 through the end of 2026, MUFG said.

Tainan, Taiwan — Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) shares rocketed higher on March 11, 2026, climbing more than 10% in heavy trading as investors piled into the semiconductor company’s emerging strengths in ultralow-power AI solutions and automotive display technologies.

HIMX closed at $9.15, up $0.86 or 10.37% from the previous day’s close of $8.29. The stock opened at $8.40 and traded in a range of $8.38 to $9.19 during the session. Volume surged to approximately 2.7 million shares, well above the average daily volume of around 1.1 million, signaling strong investor interest.

The rally extended into after-hours trading in some reports, though gains moderated slightly. As of mid-March 12 activity (considering time zones and market closes), the momentum appeared to carry forward from positive sentiment around Himax’s recent showcase at Embedded World 2026 and broader sector tailwinds in edge AI and intelligent devices.

The sharp move comes after a period of consolidation following softer full-year 2025 results. Himax, a fabless semiconductor firm specializing in display driver ICs (DDICs), timing controllers, touch controllers, CMOS image sensors, and advanced optics, has been navigating a challenging consumer electronics landscape while pivoting toward higher-margin growth areas.

In its February 12, 2026, earnings release for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, Himax reported revenue of $203.1 million for Q4, up 2.0% sequentially and beating analyst expectations of around $199.2 million, though down 14.4% year-over-year. Gross margin held steady at 30.4%, and profit per diluted American Depositary Share (ADS) came in at $0.036 (or 3.6 cents), at the high end of guidance.

For the full year 2025, revenue totaled $832.2 million, an 8.2% decline from 2024 amid weak demand in smartphones, tablets, and traditional large-panel displays. Net profit stood at $43.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted ADS, with gross margin improving slightly to 30.6%. Non-driver IC products, including automotive, WiseEye AI, and optics, grew 7% and now represent about 20% of total revenue, highlighting a strategic shift toward more resilient segments.

Management described Q1 2026 as the likely trough for the year, guiding for revenue to decline 2.0% to 6.0% quarter-over-quarter, with gross margin flat to slightly lower and profit per diluted ADS in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 cents. Executives expressed confidence in a rebound starting in Q2, driven by lean customer inventories, new automotive projects entering mass production, and accelerating contributions from WiseEye ultralow-power AI endpoint solutions.

Himax has positioned itself as a leader in automotive display ICs, holding significant market share in traditional driver ICs, in-cell touch and display driver integration (TDDI), timing controllers (Tcon), and emerging local dimming solutions. The company benefits from trends in digital cockpits, electric vehicles, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), where higher average selling prices (ASPs) and better margins are expected as production ramps.

A key growth driver is the WiseEye platform, which enables always-on, ultralow-power AI processing for endpoint devices in smart home, surveillance, automotive, and access control applications. Recent participation at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, spotlighted these advancements, with demonstrations of AI-enabled imaging and sensing that analysts say could shift Himax’s competitive stance in edge computing.

Additionally, Himax continues to innovate in augmented reality (AR) and smart glasses through liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) microdisplays, wafer-level optics, and partnerships such as with Vuzix and AUO for lightweight, prescription-ready optical designs unveiled at CES 2026. These efforts target the expanding AR/VR market, where Himax’s front-lit LCoS and high-brightness solutions aim to enable sleeker, more power-efficient devices.

The company’s broader portfolio includes power management ICs, MEMS products, and co-packaged optics (CPO) collaborations, reinforcing its role in next-generation intelligent systems.

Despite the recent surge, HIMX remains volatile. The stock trades within a 52-week range of $5.66 to $9.85 (with some intraday highs pushing toward $12.00 in early March momentum), reflecting sensitivity to semiconductor cycles, geopolitical supply chain dynamics, and demand fluctuations in end markets. Market capitalization hovers around $1.60 billion based on recent pricing and approximately 175 million shares outstanding.

Analyst coverage is mixed but leans cautiously optimistic. Consensus estimates point to modest revenue growth in 2026, with some projections for rebounding automotive and AI-driven segments. The forward dividend yield remains attractive at around 4%, supported by a consistent payout policy, though ex-dividend dates and amounts are subject to board approval.

Investors are closely watching for signs of sustained recovery. Upcoming catalysts include the May 2026 first-quarter earnings report, potential updates on automotive ramps, and progress in WiseEye and AR deployments. While near-term visibility remains limited in some areas, Himax’s execution in diversifying beyond traditional display drivers positions it to benefit from secular trends in electrification, AI proliferation, and immersive technologies.

The semiconductor industry faces ongoing headwinds from inventory digestion and macroeconomic uncertainty, but Himax’s focus on specialized, high-value applications has drawn renewed attention amid the March rally. Whether the momentum sustains will depend on delivery against guidance and tangible wins in emerging markets.

For now, HIMX serves as a barometer for niche players bridging legacy display tech with futuristic AI and optics, offering both risks and rewards in a rapidly evolving sector.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its 41st day on March 13, 2026, with authorities reporting no major breakthroughs but insisting the investigation remains active and promising.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31 after a family dinner with her daughter Annie. She failed to appear for church the next day, prompting a missing person report Feb. 1. Pima County Sheriff’s Office investigators quickly classified the case as an abduction, believing she was taken against her will from her residence. No arrests have been made, and no suspect has been publicly identified.

Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update March 12, describing the case as “targeted” and expressing confidence that detectives are “definitely closer” to identifying those responsible. He highlighted ongoing forensic analysis, including shoe casting tests and review of thousands of hours of surveillance footage collected by the FBI. An elite team at FBI headquarters in Quantico is assisting with evidence processing, while local teams continue canvassing leads and following tips.

A key focus remains on physical evidence from the home, now treated as a crime scene. Resurfaced 2013 “Today” show footage offering a glimpse inside Nancy Guthrie’s bedroom has drawn scrutiny, with commentators like Megyn Kelly suggesting it may have inadvertently aided potential perpetrators by revealing layout details. Investigators have examined a damaged utility box and possible internet/power outages around the time of the disappearance, which disrupted nearby surveillance cameras.

Multiple alleged ransom notes and messages have surfaced, including one probed for authenticity in early February. Authorities dismissed at least one as a hoax, charging an individual with attempting to profit from the case. The family has publicly addressed purported demands, urging any legitimate contact to provide proof of life.

The Guthrie family—Savannah, Annie, and brother Camron—has remained vocal, posting emotional videos pleading for information and expressing faith amid uncertainty. In late February, Savannah announced a $1 million family reward for details leading to her mother’s recovery, supplementing the FBI’s $200,000 offer ($100,000 anonymous donation). “We still believe in a miracle,” Savannah said in one message, while acknowledging the pain of not knowing. “Every hour has been agony… but we hold onto hope.”

Savannah returned briefly to the “Today” set March 5 for the first time since the disappearance, thanking colleagues before resuming work in New York. Family members have visited the home periodically, including a March sighting where they interacted with a memorial of notes and flowers outside the residence.

Community response includes banners of support at local newsrooms and prayers from churches. A proposed search by the United Cajun Navy was reportedly rejected by authorities, citing operational concerns. Cadaver dog deployments have paused in recent weeks, though ground searches in desert terrain continue sporadically.

The case has spotlighted challenges in missing persons investigations involving the elderly living alone, with experts noting ambiguous loss can freeze grief processes. Former FBI agents have described potential capture as “underwhelming,” suggesting a mundane resolution rather than dramatic breakthrough.

As the investigation stretches into its sixth week, tips continue flowing to the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line and FBI hotline. Authorities urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward, emphasizing that even peripheral details could prove crucial.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has gripped national attention due to her daughter’s prominence, yet officials stress treating it as they would any abduction case. With no confirmed sightings or ransom proof of life since early February, the family and investigators cling to hope while pursuing every avenue.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office reiterated March 12 that the case is far from cold, with “a lot of intel” under review. As days turn to weeks, the plea remains unchanged: Bring Nancy home.

Meghan Markle is set to be a guest speaker at the upcoming Her Best Life Retreat, which is hosted by Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s events company Besties.

Much has been speculated on about Markle’s appearance at the said retreat, and Henderson’s manager has touched on whether or not the Duchess of Sussex will be paid for showing up.

Will Meghan Markle Be Paid for Her Appearance?

According to Sky News, Gemma O’Neill, Henderson’s manager and podcast co-host, touched on the topic.

“I’m going to answer probably something that I think would feel fairly obvious, ‘Oh it must be costing you a fortune to have Meghan come to your event’,” O’Neill said. “Um, no guys, I think you all know, the community knows, I don’t have that kind of money, guys. That’s not on the cards for me.

“But what I will say is that she is effectively doing this as a favour to our mutual friend,” she clarified.

The mutual friend is revealed to be Soho House consultant Markus Anderson, who is best to known for arranging Markle’s blind date with Prince Harry.

Meghan Makes Surprise Visit at Children’s Hospital

Markle was most recently spotted on March 12 making a surprise hospital visit at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

According to PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex spent time painting with some patients and also visited those who are bed-bound.

It is understood that her visit is part of the CHLA’s month-long Make March Matter campaign.

“Make March Matter is an annual fundraising campaign for CHLA that unites celebrities, businesses, and the greater community in support of its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures,” CHLA said in a statement.

The statement added, “Funds raised will help ensure the hospital can provide sick and critically injured children with the best quality care, research and innovation that happens at CHLA every day for the last 125 years.”

Global energy markets are facing renewed uncertainty after Iran’s Supreme Leader indicated that the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed, raising fears of further disruption to oil supplies. The development has intensified concerns in financial markets, as the narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply flows.

Speaking to ET Now, market expert Seth R Freeman from GlassRatner Advisory said the latest remarks underline the strategic leverage Iran holds over global energy flows.

“Yes, it is quite apparent, they have figured it out they have a very strong leverage point there in the Strait of Hormuz. And we have two defiant heads of state and battling each other with words. And the problem is that high oil prices affect the entire world, not just the United States,” Freeman said.

Oil Markets React to Rising Tensions

The threat to the Strait of Hormuz has already triggered sharp reactions in oil markets. Traders and policymakers are closely monitoring the situation, as any sustained disruption could significantly tighten global supply. The waterway is widely regarded as the world’s most important oil transit route, linking Gulf producers to international markets.

Despite emergency measures such as potential reserve releases, market sentiment suggests that the current spike in oil prices reflects deeper fears of a prolonged conflict rather than temporary supply disruptions.De-Escalation Remains Uncertain
When asked how the conflict might eventually de-escalate, Freeman acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the difficulty of finding a quick resolution.
“That is a huge question. I am not sure how we remove ourselves from this. I believe that the original thinking might have been that this was going to be as simple as changing the leadership of Venezuela with a huge miscalculation about the strength and the fact that this regime is religious based as much as simply power and economic power and entrenchment. And this is a whole another situation besides having this arsenal of missiles and drones and the willingness to use them,” he said.
The increasingly sharp rhetoric between global leaders has heightened fears that the conflict may persist far longer than initially expected.

Logistics Constraints Add to Supply Risks
Freeman also highlighted the logistical challenges involved in rerouting global oil supplies if the Strait remains disrupted. While some Gulf producers are attempting to bypass the strait using alternative pipelines, these routes cannot fully compensate for the massive volumes normally transported through the channel.

“Well, I guess we all know by now that 20% of the world’s oil goes through there. I was reading earlier this afternoon that Saudi Arabia is starting up a pipeline that will be able to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but that is not going to be enough to make up the difference in global supply. You cannot just turn things on and shift the logistics for oil overnight,” he said.

Freeman added that even if the crisis were resolved quickly, supply chains would still take time to normalise.

“And the other problem is, let us say, this does get resolved in the next week or two, it could still take over a month or so just to work it through the system. As an example, something kind of minor, I need to go to Los Angeles to Southern California in the morning and flights that are normally maybe $199 are as much as $450 to get down to Southern California from San Francisco. And I have not even looked at international flights,” he said.

Rising Oil Prices Could Hurt Consumer Demand
Beyond energy markets, Freeman warned that sustained high oil prices could ripple through the global economy by weakening consumer sentiment and increasing inflationary pressures.

“Well, oil is just so critical to the entire economy globally, not just here in the United States. Plus, what this really does is affect sentiment as well. And if consumers feel they need to hunker down because they are seeing higher petrol, gas prices and seeing other kinds of products and heating and electricity becoming more expensive, consumers are going to cut back as well,” he said.

He also noted that rising energy costs would affect industrial sectors that rely on petroleum-based inputs, further amplifying economic risks.

“And then you have the impact on industrial products that use the derivatives of oil. So, this is a huge-huge risk off situation,” he added.

Concerns Extend to Financial Markets
Freeman also pointed to emerging stress in credit markets, warning that financial instability could compound the economic fallout if the conflict drags on.

“You said something about the private credit markets and PIMCO came out earlier this week expecting a quite a crisis in private credit and redemptions in the publicly traded US private credit companies. So, it could just really be a snowball kind of effect,” he said.

With geopolitical tensions still escalating and the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the crisis, analysts say energy markets may remain volatile in the coming weeks as investors attempt to gauge how long the conflict — and its economic consequences — might last.

Planning a high-reach demolition project requires meticulous attention to detail, specialized equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Unlike traditional ground-level demolition, taking down a multi-story structure involves unique challenges, including working at significant heights, managing debris fall, and protecting adjacent properties.

This guide outlines the essential steps for planning a successful high-reach demolition project, from initial surveys to final site cleanup.

Step 1: Conduct Comprehensive Site and Structural Surveys

A safe demolition begins with a thorough structural and environmental assessment. Before any machinery arrives, a qualified engineer must evaluate the building’s age, integrity, and construction type to identify risks of uncontrolled collapse. The survey also considers overhead hazards like power lines and the proximity of neighboring structures.

Contractors exploring equipment options may also review specialized attachments, such as Kocurek demolition equipment, to ensure compatibility with site conditions.

Step 2: Perform a Detailed Risk Assessment

With survey data in hand, the next step is developing a comprehensive risk assessment. This process identifies all potential hazards associated with the project and establishes control measures. Some key areas of concern for high-reach demolition include falls from height, injury from falling materials, structural collapse, and risks from connected services.

The risk assessment should evaluate the stability of the ground where the high-reach machine will operate and determine required exclusion zones to keep unauthorized personnel at a safe distance. It must also consider environmental factors such as dust emissions, noise, and vibration that could affect workers and the surrounding community.

Step 3: Design the Demolition Operation

The demolition project documentation can translate survey findings and risk assessments into an actionable plan. This technical document must include structure specifications, detailed ramp and embankment sizing, a time sequence of events, and characteristics of the high-reach machine to be used.

Critical technical considerations during this phase include establishing a proper relationship between building height and machine distance, determining optimal machine positioning relative to the structure, and designing appropriate working platforms.

Step 4: Select Appropriate High-Reach Equipment

Equipment selection is a pivotal decision directly impacting project success. High-reach excavators are specialized equipment equipped with extended booms and stick combinations designed for large vertical and horizontal reach. These machines have some features, such as reinforced undercarriages with additional counterweight and even specific working range diagrams to maintain tipping stability.

When selecting equipment, project planners must consider the maximum height requiring demolition, types of materials to be processed, and the permissible tool weight at full extension. Modern ultra-high demolition excavators typically include stability monitoring systems, tiltable cabs for better visibility, and heavy-duty cab protection.

Step 5: Plan Attachment Strategy

The versatility of high-reach demolition comes from various attachments deployed on the extended boom. A well-planned attachment strategy matches tools to specific project phases and material types. Some common attachments include concrete pulverizers for processing facades and slab edges, steel shears for cutting reinforcement and structural steel, and grapples for material handling.

Tool selection must account for weight limitations at the stick tip, hydraulic performance requirements, and jaw opening capacities that allow efficient attachment changes to maximize productivity throughout the demolition process.

Step 6: Establish Exclusion Zones and Safety Protocols

Safety during high-reach operations depends heavily on maintaining strict exclusion zones. These designated areas must be kept clear of all personnel except those essential to operation, and the general public must be prohibited from entering at all times.

The drop zone where debris may fall must be sufficiently large and clear of any encroachments. For operations with limited visibility, a trained banksman should be positioned at strategic points to communicate with the operator via two-way radio.

Step 7: Execute Top-Down Demolition Sequence

The actual demolition work follows a systematic top-down approach. The high-reach machine begins by removing the highest portions of the structure first, working progressively downward. This method can ensure structural integrity is maintained throughout the process and debris falls into designated areas without endangering equipment or operators.

During operations, the machine’s boom should be fully retracted when lifting or lowering, and stability should be maintained by operating on level, firm ground. Modern machines equipped with camera systems allow operators to see attachments even at maximum height, enabling precise, controlled demolition even in limited-space applications.

Step 8: Manage Materials and Recycling

As demolition progresses, material management becomes increasingly important. Effective waste separation on site can achieve high recycling rates, with some projects successfully recycling over approximately 90% of building materials. Secondary crushing at ground level using concrete pulverizers and shears allows for further processing and material sorting.

A comprehensive waste management plan should outline procedures for handling debris, hazardous materials, and recyclables using wheel loaders, crawler loaders, and material handling machines for efficient sorting. Designated storage areas and pickup schedules should account for environmental data to ensure compliance with local regulations.

When dealing with tall structures, high-reach dismantling techniques allow safe work on high-rise buildings using specialized demolition attachments. These heavy-duty demolition equipment choices maximize both the environmental and economic benefits of material recovery.

Step 9: Execute Safe Shutdown and Demobilization

At shift end, high-reach machines must be parked safely in designated areas with attachments grounded and keys removed. Project demobilization follows a planned sequence that may include removing fencing, backfilling basements, and final cleanup.

Throughout the project, regular maintenance can ensure safe operation of crawler excavators and other essential demolition tools, with daily attention to lubrication points, hydraulic systems, and wear items. This commitment to equipment care helps prevent failures on demolition sites and demonstrates how the demolition industry prioritizes safety features.

Complete documentation of activities supports quality and safety requirements while providing records regarding demolition technology advancements and the proper handling of demolition waste.

Conclusion

Successful high-reach demolition projects result from thorough planning, appropriate equipment selection, and unwavering commitment to safety protocols. By following these steps, project managers can execute complex demolitions efficiently while protecting workers, the public, and surrounding properties.