Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the world’s largest LNG export plant, suffered extensive damage from Iranian missile strikes, triggering sharp rises in global oil and gas prices and escalating regional tensions.

Key Points

• Multiple Iranian missiles hit Ras Laffan, damaging LNG facilities and Shell’s gas-to-liquids plant; fires erupted and production remains halted.
• Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas facilities were also affected by falling debris, while Saudi Arabia intercepted drone and missile attacks targeting its energy infrastructure.
• The U.S. warned of retaliation if attacks continue, and Qatar expelled Iranian diplomatic staff within 24 hours, calling the strikes a “dangerous escalation.”
• Brent crude surged up to 5.5%, and analysts warn of prolonged supply disruptions, with no strategic LNG reserves to cushion the market.
• The attacks follow Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s threat to target Gulf energy sites, further destabilizing global energy security.

The damage to critical LNG infrastructure threatens global energy supply chains, particularly for Asia and Europe, and could keep prices elevated well into mid-2026.

Why It Matters for Thailand

Geopolitical Risk: The Gulf crisis underscores how Thailand’s energy security is tied to Middle Eastern stability, making hedging strategies essential.

• Energy Security: Thailand imports significant volumes of LNG from Qatar. Damage to Ras Laffan means tighter supply and higher costs for Thai utilities and industries.
• Price Shock: Brent crude already spiked 5.5%. LNG has no strategic reserves, so Asian buyers like Thailand face immediate exposure to price volatility.
• Economic Impact: Rising energy costs will ripple into manufacturing, transport, and household electricity bills, adding inflationary pressure.
• Regional Competition: Japan, South Korea, and China will also scramble for replacement cargoes, intensifying competition in Asia’s LNG market.

Thailand may need to accelerate diversification—more pipeline gas from Myanmar, renewables, or long-term contracts with other suppliers. This strategy could help Thailand reduce its reliance on spot markets and shield the economy from volatile energy prices. Additionally, investing in energy storage solutions and improving energy efficiency across industries could further strengthen the country’s energy security.

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The company first expected pre-tax profit to top £18m but that figure could now be £10m higher

Soaring gold prices led North East pawnbroker Ramsdens to hike up profit estimates for a second time, saying it could deliver a boost of £10m more than initially expected. The pawnbroking, jewellery and travel money chain, which started in one shop in Middlesbrough, last month revised pre-tax profit expectations, telling shareholders how record high gold prices in 2026 were boosting its purchasing of precious metals business.

In February it said it expected pre-tax profits for the year to top £21m, up from the £18.6m previously expected. Now, the financial services group says the very high gold price means it now expects pre-tax profits to top at least £24m – and that “if the favourable gold price and trading conditions continue”, potentially up to £28m.

In an upbeat trading update, the group said it has continued to perform well across its core income streams and that the average gold price for the year to date is around 50% higher than last year. The higher gold price is also contributing to an increased weight of gold purchased, which is also approximately 50% higher year on year.

Jewellery retail revenue is around 25% ahead year on year, and pawnbroking lending was at record levels in February 2026, with positive momentum continuing this month.

Its loan book is now approximately £13.5m, an increase of 18% on the September year-end position of £11.4m and total currency exchanged in the first five months of its 2026 was in line with the comparable period in 2025, with foreign currency commissions approximately 5% lower year on year reflecting the continued migration towards online and currency card sales, which are lower margin.

On the conflict in Iran, it said: “Whilst the current situation in the Middle East may have an impact for international travel, our primary foreign currency activity is selling Euros to customers holidaying in Europe which currently appears to be stable.”

Meanwhile, its said new stores in Wakefield, Hull and Sheerness have traded well since opening and that it remains on track to open between eight and 12 new stores this financial year. It currently has three stores in shop fit and a further three stores expected to be in shop fit within the next few weeks.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon said: “Ramsdens continues to perform well across its diversified business model reflecting the strength of our trusted brand, value for money proposition and outstanding team.

“In addition to underlying progress across the business, we continue to benefit from the high gold price, which is significantly boosting both customer demand and profits within our purchase of precious metals segment. As a result, we are once again trading ahead of market expectations and currently anticipate profit before tax for FY26 to be in a range of £24m to £28m.”

Interim results will be announced in early June.

After three consecutive sessions of strong gains, the Nifty witnessed a sharp pullback, but the underlying tone of the market remained relatively stable, with no signs of aggressive selling at lower levels. According to Rahul Sharma, JM Financial Services, the way the market handled the gap-down opening was encouraging, as it did not trigger fresh selling pressure. “Looking at the way the gap down has been handled today, we have not seen big fresh sell orders coming at lower prices in the Nifty. What we saw over the last three days was a typical bear market rally.” The recent 800-point rebound in the Nifty over three sessions, he explained, was more of a technical bounce rather than a structural shift in trend.

Despite the volatility, a couple of indicators offered some comfort to investors. Sharma pointed out that the India VIX has not surged to new highs even after the sharp gap-down, which indicates that fear levels are not escalating significantly. “One silver lining over here is India VIX, which has not gone on to hit a new high in spite of the big gap down that we saw today.” He also noted that banking stocks, particularly Bank Nifty, showed resilience despite concerns surrounding HDFC Bank after overnight developments. “Even banks, especially because of the overnight news in HDFC Bank, Bank Nifty was supposed to be the bigger casualty, but that has not happened.” In fact, he added that Bank Nifty has been relatively stronger post opening, hinting at a possible recovery toward the close. “Bank Nifty is relatively doing well after the gap-down opening, which means that towards the end of the session we could see a recovery happening in Nifty as well.”

From a broader perspective, Sharma believes the current phase presents a tactical buying opportunity, especially for investors with a slightly longer horizon. “If we zoom out a bit, we feel that this is a good opportunity to buy on the dip.” He emphasized that his team has been recommending clients to accumulate Nifty ETFs during volatile phases. “We have recommended our clients to get into Nifty ETFs. We feel that this is a good time to buy ETFs, accumulate them on volatile days like such.” While geopolitical uncertainties continue to loom, he suggested that much of the negative news flow is already priced into the markets unless there is a fresh escalation. “As far as markets are concerned, with the given set of variables, we feel that most of the negatives are factored in and unless there is no fresh escalation after yesterday night’s tweet by Trump, markets would come back to where they were a few hours back.”

On the technical front, Sharma highlighted key levels to watch, indicating that 23,800 could act as an immediate retest zone, while a close above 24,000 would signal stronger recovery. “23,800 is where we know it could be a retest and once we close above 24,000, we could very well be out of the woods.” He also advised caution for traders looking to initiate fresh short positions at current levels. “Around 23,200 the risk-reward is not favourable for fresh shorts and the best thing to do at this point in time is get into ETFs.”

On stock-specific ideas, Sharma expressed a strong bullish view on ONGC, citing rising oil prices and a favorable technical setup. “Our high conviction recommendation today is ONGC. Oil prices are boiling. ONGC should benefit from this and ONGC technical setup is also very good.” He suggested buying the stock around current levels for a positional target. “Around 269, one can look to buy this stock for a positional target of Rs 300 on the upside in the next 15-20 trading sessions. Stop loss can be placed at 258.” He also highlighted strength in the power sector, particularly Tata Power, which has held up well despite broader market weakness. “On the power sector, Tata Power is something that we like. In spite of the broader market fall, we are not seeing any correction in power stocks.” He expects short-term upside in the stock. “Tata Power is another stock which can be looked upon for upside of around 5% to 6% in the very short term.”

PwC’s US chief executive has delivered a stark warning to senior staff, declaring that partners who resist artificial intelligence “have no place” at the firm as it rapidly reshapes its business model to adapt to technological disruption.

Paul Griggs, who took over as US CEO in May 2024, said the professional services giant is moving decisively towards an AI-first operating model, with automation set to fundamentally alter how tax, audit and consulting services are delivered, and priced.

In comments reported by the Financial Times, Griggs made clear that no one within the organisation would be exempt from the transformation, warning that those unwilling to embrace AI would ultimately be left behind. He said any partner who believed they could opt out of the shift “is not going to be here that long”, underlining the urgency with which the firm is pursuing change.

At the heart of PwC’s strategy is a move away from the traditional billable-hours model that has long underpinned the economics of the Big Four. Instead, the firm is developing AI-powered tools capable of delivering services directly to clients without the need for constant human involvement.

Some tax and consulting services are being converted into automated platforms that clients can access independently, with pricing expected to shift towards subscription-based models rather than time-based billing. This marks a significant departure from the labour-intensive structure that has historically relied on large teams of junior staff carrying out routine analytical and administrative tasks.

The firm is set to formalise this direction with the launch of “PwC One”, a new AI platform offering clients access to a suite of automated services. Initially covering areas such as mergers and acquisitions due diligence and complex tax advisory, the platform is expected to expand rapidly as PwC builds out its AI capabilities.

The move reflects a broader existential challenge facing the professional services sector. Advances in generative AI and automation are increasingly capable of handling tasks that were once the preserve of consultants and analysts, raising questions about the long-term viability of traditional advisory models.

For firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG, the risk is twofold. Not only could AI reduce the need for large workforces, but it could also enable clients to bring more capabilities in-house, bypassing external advisers altogether. In response, PwC is attempting to reposition itself as both a provider of expertise and a developer of scalable technology solutions.

Griggs’ comments also point to a cultural shift within the firm, where adaptability to AI is becoming a core expectation rather than a specialist skill. Senior staff are being told that embracing automation is no longer optional, but essential to maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Industry experts say the shift is inevitable. Raj Abrol, chief executive of Galytix, described AI as a transformative force in risk management and decision-making, particularly in an era defined by economic and geopolitical uncertainty. He noted that the ability to process and interpret vast datasets in real time is becoming a critical competitive advantage for organisations navigating increasingly complex environments.

Kenny MacAulay, chief executive of accounting platform Acting Office, was more blunt, arguing that AI scepticism is incompatible with modern business leadership. He said firms that fail to integrate AI quickly risk falling behind competitors who are already leveraging automation to improve efficiency and client outcomes.

PwC’s aggressive stance highlights how quickly AI is moving from experimental technology to operational necessity. As the firm accelerates its transition, the message to its workforce is unambiguous: adapt to the AI-driven future, or risk being replaced by those who will.

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Valve Corp.’s Steam platform launched its annual Spring Sale on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. KST), offering discounts across thousands of titles ranging from blockbuster AAA games to beloved indies and multiplayer experiences. The weeklong event runs through Thursday, March 26, at the same time, marking the first major seasonal promotion of the year for PC gamers.

The sale arrives amid a robust PC gaming market, with Steam’s user base continuing to grow and developers increasingly relying on seasonal events to boost visibility and sales. Valve’s teaser trailer, released days earlier, spotlighted a mix of co-op “friendslop” titles—informal multiplayer games designed for casual group play—alongside deep discounts on classics and recent releases.

Standout featured discounts include *No Man’s Sky*, the expansive space exploration game from Hello Games that has evolved dramatically since its 2016 launch through years of free updates; *Manor Lords*, the medieval city-builder and strategy hybrid that became a breakout hit in 2024-2025; *Dave the Diver*, the relaxing underwater adventure blending fishing, restaurant management and mystery; and *Phasmophobia*, the cooperative horror ghost-hunting title that remains a multiplayer staple.

The “Deep Discounts” section highlights even steeper cuts on perennial favorites. *Resident Evil 3 Remake* (Capcom) sees heavy reductions for its fast-paced survival horror action. *Fallout: New Vegas* (Obsidian/ Bethesda), the open-world RPG classic celebrated for its branching narrative and modding community, returns at bargain prices. *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* (EA/Respawn), the 2023 sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order, offers significant savings on its lightsaber combat and exploration. Other notables in deep cuts include *Vampyr*, the narrative-driven RPG from Dontnod; *Metro: Last Light Redux*, the atmospheric post-apocalyptic shooter; and *Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair*, the visual novel murder mystery.

Co-op and multiplayer emphasis continues with titles like *Raft*, the ocean survival game focused on building and scavenging; *Sons of the Forest*, the tense horror sequel emphasizing base-building and teamwork; *RV There Yet*, a quirky road-trip adventure; and *Yapyap*, a chaotic party game. These selections reflect ongoing demand for shared experiences in an era where remote play and cross-platform features keep friends connected.

Beyond the trailer highlights, the sale encompasses thousands of additional games, DLCs and bundles from hundreds of publishers. Early reports from deal trackers and community forums indicate strong participation across genres: action-adventure, RPGs, horror, simulation and strategy all feature prominent promotions. Indie developers often use the event to introduce players to hidden gems, while larger studios refresh older catalogs or promote recent expansions.

For budget-conscious shoppers, pre-sale and early deals under $10 (and even under $5) have surfaced on titles like *Dragon Age: Inquisition*, *Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order*, *My Friend Pedro* and others, with some reaching 90-95% off historic lows. Free-to-keep promotions, such as *Deponia*, have also appeared in the lead-up, though the main sale focuses on paid discounts.

Steam’s seasonal sales remain a cornerstone of PC gaming economics. Unlike console platforms with fixed pricing windows, Steam’s algorithm-driven storefront allows dynamic deals, publisher-initiated bundles and wishlist price-drop notifications. The Spring Sale typically ranks among the year’s biggest non-holiday events, trailing only Summer, Autumn and Winter sales in scale.

This year’s timing follows a strong 2025-2026 release slate, including late-2025 titles now hitting first major discounts. Players eyeing upcoming releases like potential 2026 blockbusters can add games to wishlists for instant alerts when prices drop during the event.

Valve encourages exploration via curated sections on the Steam homepage, including genre collections, publisher pages and “Deep Discounts” tabs. The platform’s regional pricing ensures accessibility worldwide, though discounts vary by market.

As the sale begins, community hubs like Reddit’s r/Steam, SteamDB and deal aggregators are buzzing with recommendations and wishlists. Popular picks from users include evergreen titles like *Grand Theft Auto V*, *Baldur’s Gate 3*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Elden Ring* and *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, many of which often see 50-90% reductions in seasonal events.

The event also coincides with broader PC trends: rising interest in co-op experiences post-pandemic, continued growth in indie scenes and renewed focus on single-player narratives amid live-service fatigue. Valve’s hands-off approach—allowing publishers to set discount depths—creates variety, from modest 10-20% cuts on new releases to 90%+ slashes on older games.

For international players in regions like Seoul, the start time translates to evening hours, giving ample opportunity to browse after work or school. With one week to shop, gamers have time to compare deals, read reviews and avoid impulse buys.

As Steam’s Spring Sale unfolds, it reaffirms the platform’s role as a go-to destination for affordable gaming. Whether hunting AAA epics at fraction-of-launch prices, discovering indie surprises or rounding out multiplayer libraries with friends, the event delivers something for every player.

Check the Steam storefront directly for live deals, as discounts update in real time and stock varies. The sale ends March 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. PDT—mark your calendars to avoid missing out.