Business
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% and cuts growth forecast: What you need to know
Need to know
Rate-setters see inflation easing and say more cuts could follow
The Bank of England has kept interest rates on hold
- The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to keep interest rates on hold at 3.75% and says the rate is likely to come down soon as inflation eases.
- The rate-setting committee voted by a majority of 5–4 to maintain the Bank Rate at its current level, though four members voted to reduce it by 0.25 percentage points, to 3.5%.
- The Bank has also cut its outlook for UK economic growth for 2026, from 1.2% to 0.9%, and for 2027, from 1.6% to 1.5%.
- The Bank said today that while CPI inflation is currently above the 2% target, it “is expected to fall back to around the target from April, owing to developments in energy prices including from Budget 2025”. The Bank added that labour market, pay growth and services price inflation have continued to ease although “some risks to inflation from weaker demand and a loosening labour market remain”.
- The Bank added: “On the basis of the current evidence, Bank Rate is likely to be reduced further. Judgements around further policy easing will become a closer call. The extent and timing of further easing in monetary policy will depend on the evolution of the outlook for inflation.”
- Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said: “I expect to see quite a sharp drop in inflation over coming months. While I am more confident in the overall path of wage disinflation, it is naturally less clear when and how much the expected upcoming drop in inflation will influence wage settlements. Overall, the risks from inflation persistence appear to have continued to reduce. I therefore see scope for some further easing of policy.”
- The MPC last delivered a cut to borrowing costs before Christmas, from 4% to 3.75%. It was the fourth reduction of the year, with Mr Bailey saying that while the UK had “passed the recent peak in inflation and it has continued to fall”, further cuts would be a “closer call”.
- Since that decision, official data showed inflation bounced back in December, rising for the first time in five months. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate was 3.4% for the month, up from 3.2% in November, driven up by tobacco duties and airfares.
- It’s also being reported today that Britain’s construction sector has shown signs of pulling out of its “tailspin”, though the housebuilding sector remains under pressure. The latest S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a reading of 46.4 for January, up from December’s five-and-a-half-year low of 40.1 and the best result since June last year. But the reading remained below the 50 threshold, showing activity in the sector remains in contraction.
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Business
Gary Pinkus, Bloom Energy director, sells $207k in stock

Gary Pinkus, Bloom Energy director, sells $207k in stock
Business
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) Stock Experiences Volatility Amid Strong Outlook and CEO Warnings
JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest U.S. bank by assets, saw its shares fluctuate in late February 2026 trading as investors digested recent company guidance, CEO Jamie Dimon’s economic cautions and broader market pressures.

As of Feb. 27, 2026, JPMorgan Chase stock (NYSE: JPM) traded around $297 to $301 in intraday sessions, down from a previous close near $306 and well off its 52-week high of $337.25 reached in early January. The shares have shown resilience over the past year, gaining approximately 19% in some measures, but recent sessions reflected a pullback amid concerns over interest rates, AI impacts and macroeconomic risks.
The bank’s market capitalization hovers above $800 billion, outpacing rivals Bank of America and Citigroup combined in valuation at times during the period.
In a Feb. 23 investor update, JPMorgan Chase provided an optimistic glimpse into 2026, nudging up its firmwide net interest income (NII) forecast to approximately $104.5 billion, including markets revenue. Core NII, excluding markets, is expected to reach about $95 billion, up from $92.6 billion in 2025. The guidance assumes two Federal Reserve rate cuts, a decline in interest on reserve balances and some deposit margin compression, offset by modest growth in consumer and wholesale deposits.
Investment banking fees and markets revenue are projected to see mid-teens percentage growth in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year, potentially reaching high teens for IB fees. This outlook eased some investor worries about deal pipelines amid recent equity market volatility.
The bank maintained its full-year 2026 expense guidance at $105 billion while planning a 10% increase in technology spending to $19.8 billion. Executives highlighted investments in AI and new capabilities as drivers, despite cost pressures from inflation, hardware shortages related to AI chips and cloud infrastructure demands.
CEO Jamie Dimon struck a balanced tone in recent comments. He dismissed fears that AI would significantly harm the company, asserting JPMorgan Chase would emerge as a “winner” in the technology shift. However, he warned of potential job disruptions from automation and AI, urging preparation. Dimon also expressed heightened anxiety about the economy, drawing parallels to pre-2008 conditions in some market analyses, and reiterated plans to remain CEO for “a few years.”
The bank beat expectations in its most recent earnings. For the fourth quarter of 2025, reported in January 2026, JPMorgan posted revenue of $46.77 billion and EPS of $5.23, surpassing forecasts of $46.25 billion and $4.86, respectively. Trading desks benefited from volatile markets, contributing to strong performance across segments. Full-year profits for major U.S. banks reached record levels around $300 billion in some reports, underscoring sector strength.
J.P. Morgan Payments, a key growth engine, achieved record $5.1 billion in Q4 2025 revenue, up 9% year-over-year, driven by deposit growth and innovations like JPM Coin.
Analysts remain largely bullish. Multiple firms, including Wells Fargo, RBC Capital, Piper Sandler and Barclays, maintained buy ratings in late February. Price targets include adjustments such as Truist’s reduction to $330 from $334. Consensus estimates project moderate earnings growth of about 5.5% for 2026 and 7.6% for 2027.
Challenges persist. Reports highlighted ongoing scrutiny over past client relationships, including admissions related to accounts closed in 2021 amid a debanking lawsuit. Dimon addressed AI’s broader workforce implications, noting the need for policy responses.
Broader context includes JPMorgan’s role in market forecasts, such as raising long-term gold price targets to $4,500 per ounce while maintaining a 2026 year-end view at $3,300 in some updates. The bank also plans to exclude the UAE from certain emerging-market bond indexes by mid-2026 due to wealth threshold changes.
JPMorgan Chase declared preferred stock dividends recently and filed an $80 billion mixed securities shelf in February, supporting capital flexibility.
Investors watch for the next earnings report, expected around April 14, 2026, for the first quarter. Analysts forecast EPS around $5.37 and revenue near $48.62 billion.
Despite short-term dips, JPMorgan’s diversified operations — spanning consumer banking, commercial banking, asset management and investment banking — position it well in a dynamic environment. The bank’s scale, technology investments and consistent outperformance in recent quarters underpin analyst confidence in sustained returns.
Business
WBD employees fear job losses with Paramount merger
An American flag flies at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, California, on Sept. 12, 2025.
Mario Tama | Getty Images
The Warner Bros. Discovery board may have enriched its shareholders Thursday when it chose Paramount Skydance‘s acquisition offer over Netflix‘s, but it also terrified a lot of its employees.
While some of those people own WBD shares and may prefer the financials of Paramount’s $31-per-share bid to Netflix’s $27.75-per-share offer, CNBC spoke to 10 WBD employees in a variety of different roles at the company. All 10, who asked not to be named for fear of potential backlash, expressed concerns about potential job losses and questions of who would ultimately run their divisions if Paramount and WBD are eventually merged.
“It’s fair to say people are deflated by the news,” said one long-term WBD executive.
Nonetheless, a WBD-Paramount merger “is not a done deal,” as California Attorney General Rob Bonta said yesterday.
The transaction must gain regulatory approval both in the U.S. and in Europe. WBD CEO David Zaslav acknowledged at an all-hands meeting Friday that the deal may still be blocked and expressed sympathy for those experiencing a sense of whiplash going from Netflix to Paramount, according to people familiar with the matter.
“The deal may not close. If it doesn’t close, we get $7 billion, and we get back to work,” Zaslav said, according to leaked audio provided to Business Insider.

Still, several WBD employees told CNBC they wished Netflix had acquired WBD, citing several factors.
While Paramount and WBD both have core competencies in news, sports, theatrical film and streaming TV, Netflix has far less overlap. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos repeatedly said he planned to leave the WBD business alone, keeping its theatrical business separate from Netflix while also keeping HBO Max as a separate, independent streaming service for the foreseeable future.
Netflix also wasn’t acquiring WBD’s linear cable business with its bid. Employees at CNN, TNT Sports and the old Discovery networks would have remained in their jobs to forge a path as a standalone publicly traded company.
Now, WBD employees are staring at potentially massive job cuts. Paramount executives have previously stated they plan to cut $6 billion by eliminating “duplicative operations” on “back office, finance, corporate, legal, technology, infrastructure, et cetera,” according to Chief Strategy Officer Andy Gordon. Both WBD and Paramount have already gone through thousands of job cuts in recent years.
There are also questions about culture and leadership. While Mark Thompson currently runs CNN, Bari Weiss is the editor-in-chief at CBS News and could plausibly have CNN added to her purview.
The Wall Street Journal reported in December that Paramount CEO David Ellison promised President Donald Trump he’d make sweeping changes at CNN if he gained control of the network. Three CNN employees who spoke with CNBC said there’s rampant fear among their colleagues about Weiss making dramatic changes to the cable network’s anchors and tone.
“Despite all the speculation you’ve read during this process, I’d suggest that you don’t jump to conclusions about the future until we know more,” Thompson wrote in a memo to employees Thursday.
CNN media reporter Brian Stelter noted CNN “is a highly profitable business, and it would be foolish for any owner to put that at risk.”
On the entertainment side, WBD employees fear there may be too many proverbial cooks in the kitchen, which could bog down creativity and innovation for both film and TV.
One WBD executive noted that Paramount’s President Jeff Shell, Chair of Direct to Consumer Cindy Holland and Chair of TV George Cheeks are all used to being senior leaders in their organizations. Shell was CEO of NBCUniversal. Cheeks was co-CEO of Paramount before it merged with Skydance. Holland was a top executive at Netflix, where she worked for 18 years.
How that mix meshes with WBD’s entertainment leadership group is an open question and could lead to culture clashes.
TNT Sports is run by Luis Silberwasser and has largely steered WBD toward younger audiences with its programming decisions and investments, including Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. CBS Sports, meanwhile, is driven by the demographics of those who watch CBS and has historically catered to an older audience. This could lead to culture clash, or the divisions could mesh nicely as complementary assets.
While Silberwasser will have to work with CBS Sports President David Berson on employee duplications, like every other department, there’s some reason for optimism in the sports division, because WBD and CBS have worked together for many years producing March Madness, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. That’s given the units some degree of familiarity with each other.
WBD also lost NBA rights last season. Combining with CBS’ robust portfolio of sports rights, including the NFL and the Masters, makes WBD a major player again in sports, even if it’s as a subsidiary of CBS.
One other repeated concern among employees is the $64 billion in debt coming as part of the $111 billion enterprise value for the deal. Several employees said servicing large debt loads has hindered WBD in recent years, and they feared this could lead to more of the same. Two employees noted there’s comfort being a part of a giant company like Netflix, with a market capitalization of more than $400 billion. Paramount Skydance’s market valuation is just $15 billion.
Business
Victory Capital Discloses Competing Bid to Buy Janus Henderson
Victory Capital Discloses Competing Bid to Buy Janus Henderson
Business
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. 2025 Q4 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NYSE:RCUS) 2026-02-27
Q4: 2026-02-25 Earnings Summary
EPS of -$0.89 beats by $0.18
| Revenue of $33.00M (-8.33% Y/Y) beats by $8.06M
Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team
Business
Feld, Becton Dickinson’s EVP, sells $13,638 in stock

Feld, Becton Dickinson’s EVP, sells $13,638 in stock
Business
Charles Schwab MD Howard sells $2.65 million in shares

Charles Schwab MD Howard sells $2.65 million in shares
Business
DTE Energy posts DTE Gas 2025 financial statements to website

DTE Energy posts DTE Gas 2025 financial statements to website
Business
First Look at Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus in ‘God of War’
Prime Video has released the first official image of Ryan Hurst as the brooding Spartan warrior Kratos and young actor Callum Vinson as his son Atreus, marking the start of production on its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Sony’s blockbuster “God of War” video game franchise.

The photo, shared Feb. 27, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television, shows the father-son duo in costume against a rugged, snowy backdrop, evoking the Norse mythology setting of the 2018 game and its sequel. Hurst, known for roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Walking Dead,” appears as the ash-covered, battle-scarred Kratos, complete with his signature red tattoo and imposing physique. Vinson, who has appeared in series like “Chucky,” “Long Bright River” and “Poker Face,” portrays a youthful Atreus, standing slightly ahead with a determined expression.
The image is accompanied by the caption: “Father and Son. Behold your first look at Kratos and Atreus in the God of War series now in production for Prime Video. Their journey to the highest peak begins.”
Production is underway in Vancouver, Canada, on the series, which has already secured a two-season order. Ronald D. Moore, the acclaimed showrunner behind “Battlestar Galactica” and “Outlander,” serves as writer, executive producer and showrunner under his Tall Ship Productions banner. Frederick E.O. Toye, an Emmy-winning director whose credits include “Shōgun,” “The Boys” and “Fallout,” is helming the first two episodes.
The adaptation draws primarily from the 2018 “God of War” game and its 2022 sequel “Ragnarök,” following Kratos and Atreus on a poignant quest to scatter the ashes of Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother, Faye, from the highest peak in the realms. Their journey unfolds amid a harsh Norse world filled with gods, monsters and family revelations, shifting from the Greek mythology of earlier games to a more introspective father-son narrative.
The full cast features a mix of established stars and character actors. Mandy Patinkin portrays the cunning Allfather Odin, while Ed Skrein takes on the vengeful god Baldur. Max Parker plays Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson embodies the thunder god Thor, and Teresa Palmer appears as Sif. Alastair Duncan voices and portrays the severed head Mimir, with Danny Woodburn as the gruff dwarf Brok and Jeff Gulka as his brother Sindri.
The project is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions. Executive producers include Moore, Maril Davis of Tall Ship, original game director Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee and Brad Van Arragon. Co-executive producers are Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia and Ben McGinnis.
Fan reactions to the first-look image have been mixed since its release early Feb. 27. Some praised the fidelity to the game’s aesthetic, noting Hurst’s transformation into the stoic anti-hero and the accurate costuming details like Kratos’ Leviathan Axe (though not visible in the initial photo). Others expressed reservations, with online commentary describing the shot as “strange” or “off,” citing the angle, lighting or youthful portrayal of Atreus compared to the teenage version in the games. Social media discussions on platforms like Instagram, Reddit and X highlighted both excitement for the ambitious adaptation and caution after previous video game-to-screen efforts.
The “God of War” franchise, developed by Santa Monica Studio, has sold tens of millions of copies and earned widespread acclaim for its storytelling, combat and emotional depth. The 2018 reboot shifted the series to a more mature, cinematic style, earning Game of the Year honors and setting high expectations for any live-action version.
Amazon’s push into video game adaptations follows successes like “Fallout” and ongoing projects tied to other properties. The streamer aims to capture the game’s blend of visceral action, mythological spectacle and heartfelt drama, with Moore’s involvement signaling a focus on character-driven narrative over pure spectacle.
No release date has been announced for the series, but with production just beginning in early 2026, a premiere is unlikely before late 2027 at the earliest, depending on post-production timelines and episode count. The two-season commitment suggests confidence in covering the Norse saga arc comprehensively.
As filming progresses, additional images, trailers and casting details are expected to fuel anticipation among the dedicated fanbase. For now, the first look offers a tangible glimpse into bringing one of gaming’s most iconic duos to the small screen.
Business
FBI Shifts Command Post to Phoenix as Search for Nancy Guthrie
The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its fourth week with authorities shifting resources and releasing new surveillance footage that may offer clues in what officials describe as a possible abduction.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on the evening of January 31, 2026. She was reported missing the following day after family members could not reach her. Authorities believe she was taken from her bed against her will sometime in the early morning hours of February 1, when her pacemaker stopped transmitting signals around 2:28 a.m.

As of February 27, 2026, marking day 27 since her vanishing, the FBI has amassed thousands of hours of video evidence, including newly surfaced Ring camera footage from neighbors showing multiple vehicles in the vicinity during the overnight hours surrounding her disappearance. One clip captured at least a dozen cars passing near her home, and another depicted a vehicle driving past a residence about 2.5 miles away around 2:30 a.m. Investigators have reviewed the material but stated it does not appear directly related to the case, though it continues to inform the timeline.
The FBI, working alongside local Pima County authorities, has received more than 23,000 tips overall, with over 1,500 coming in after Savannah Guthrie announced a family-offered reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her mother’s safe return. In a recent Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie urged the public to “keep praying without ceasing,” adding, “We still believe. We still believe in a miracle.”
Key developments in recent days include the FBI’s decision to relocate its primary command post from Tucson to Phoenix. A law enforcement source told CBS News that the move will allow for more efficient long-term operations, as most agents involved are based in Phoenix. Investigative squads, evidence recovery teams and SWAT units will remain active in Tucson through the local FBI satellite office.
Additionally, authorities are preparing to return Nancy Guthrie’s home to her family after nearly a month of serving as the main crime scene. Federal sources told NBC News that the property will no longer be sealed off, allowing family members—including Savannah Guthrie—to access it. The transition follows exhaustive searches and forensic processing. Savannah Guthrie has indicated she plans to return to her duties on the “Today” show soon, though the emotional toll remains evident.
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. She has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish, emphasizing their hope amid uncertainty. Experts on missing persons cases note that the prolonged absence, combined with the lack of a clear vehicle of interest or named suspects, complicates efforts. Former FBI agents have described the challenge of achieving a “clean” disappearance in an era of widespread surveillance, digital tracking and forensic tools, yet this case has so far defied quick resolution.
Nancy Guthrie, a resident of the Tucson area, is known to many beyond her daughter’s celebrity for her work as a Bible teacher, author and conference speaker. She has written numerous books on Christian theology, including studies on tracing Jesus through the Old Testament and series such as “Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.” She hosts the “Help Me Teach the Bible” podcast for The Gospel Coalition and leads workshops on biblical theology. Her personal website highlights upcoming speaking engagements, including events planned for March 2026 at Redeemer Lincoln Square in New York and the Katoomba Easter Convention in Australia from April 3-6, 2026. However, these appearances remain uncertain amid the ongoing search.
The family has maintained a low public profile regarding Nancy Guthrie’s personal life, focusing instead on appeals for information. No arrests have been made, and no motive has been publicly identified. Investigators continue to analyze DNA evidence, including from a glove found about two miles from the home, though recent reports indicate it yielded no matches in national databases.
The shift in operational focus to Phoenix signals a transition to a more sustained investigative phase, with emphasis on digital forensics, tip follow-up and broader coordination. Officials have not ruled out any scenarios, but the belief in foul play persists.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from the public. As the search stretches into late February, the family clings to hope for a positive outcome while grappling with the daily reality of uncertainty—a sentiment echoed by advocates for missing persons who stress the psychological strain on loved ones in prolonged cases.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line or local authorities. The $1 million reward remains active for credible leads leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.
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