The appointment comes weeks after the suspension and subsequent resignation of former CEO Stuart Ashman

A new interim CEO has been appointed at Newcastle life sciences firm SkinBioTherapeutics plc as it strives to “move forward and focus on accelerating” in the wake of an investigation into its former leader. The Newcastle Helix-based business, which is focused on skin health, announced to shareholders that it has appointed Rachel Parsonage as Interim CEO for a period of six months.

Ms Parsonage starts her duties with immediate effect and she is being introduced to the rest of the team today, Monday March 2. She will also serve as a member of the board.

The company said her appointment to the board is subject to the completion of normal regulatory due diligence being carried out by the company’s nominated adviser. The stock market note said Ms Parsonage is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years’ experience leading consumer beauty and wellness businesses through growth and change.

She has held CEO and transformational level leadership roles across owned and licensed brand portfolios in both domestic and international markets. She currently runs her own advisory consultancy, Alera Advisory and before that she was at KMI Brands for over 16 years.

In other roles she owned Vita Management, an independent consultancy, and prior to that she was general manager at Pacific Direct, a company providing brand development for hotels working with luxury brands Elemis, Penhaligons and White Company.

Ms Parsonage’s appointment comes weeks after SkinBioTherapeutics’ share price crashed following the suspension and subsequent resignation of former CEO Stuart Ashman.

The AIM-listed firm last month said it had been conducting an investigation of the business and that it had “reason to believe that the former CEO has misrepresented material information to the board and senior management, the company’s auditors and advisors”. It said accrued royalty income was included in the audited FY25 accounts “due to a potential misrepresentation”, and that the amount – £770,000 – is to be removed from the accounts.

Now, Martin Hunt, executive chairman of SkinBioTherapeutics, has told shareholders how the company is working to move forward. He said: “In the past few weeks, our aim has been to take decisive action to stabilise the business, including the search for a new interim CEO, while we undertake a thorough investigation to resolve the current issues. We are therefore delighted to welcome Rachel to the team as interim CEO.

“Her background matches our immediate requirements exactly; she has over 32 years in total in the consumer and wellness sector, with a clear track record of stabilising brands and companies, managing stakeholders including partners, and driving sales and IP commercialisation.

“This appointment is one part of our plan to resolve the current issues as quickly as possible. With respect to the forensic investigation, we are balancing the thoroughness of an investigation within a clear cost-benefit framework, to remove any uncertainty around the business’ future. We want SkinBioTherapeutics to get back on track, move forward and focus on accelerating its growth again.”

Australia has long punched above its weight in golf, producing legends who have dominated majors, held world No. 1 rankings and inspired generations. From the post-war dominance of Peter Thomson to the modern excellence of Adam Scott and Jason Day, the nation’s golfers have left an indelible mark on the sport.

As of early 2026, with players like Min Woo Lee rising and veterans like Scott still competing, debates over the all-time greats remain lively. Rankings vary by source — some prioritize major wins, others longevity or impact — but consensus emerges around a core group. Here’s a look at the top 10 Australian golfers of all time, blending historical achievements, major success and influence.

1. **Greg Norman**
Widely regarded as Australia’s greatest golfer, the “Great White Shark” spent 331 weeks as world No. 1, the most by any Australian. He won 20 PGA Tour titles, including two British Opens (1986, 1993), and claimed 76 professional victories worldwide. Despite heartbreaking near-misses like the 1996 Masters collapse, Norman’s power, charisma and business empire elevated golf’s profile Down Under. Australian Golf Digest’s 2020 ranking of the nation’s 50 greatest placed him No. 1, a spot unchallenged in subsequent discussions.

2. **Karrie Webb**
Often topping lists when including women, Webb boasts seven majors — the career Grand Slam across five different championships (du Maurier Classic 1999, Kraft Nabisco 2000/2006, U.S. Women’s Open 2000/2001, LPGA Championship 2001, Women’s British Open 2002). With 41 LPGA Tour wins, she dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many experts, including some in National Club Golfer’s 2024 ranking, place her at No. 1 overall for sheer major haul and consistency.

3. **Peter Thomson**
The “Melbourne Ghost” won five British Opens (1954-56, 1958, 1965), the most by any non-American in the modern era. His 102 professional victories and dominance in Europe during the 1950s-60s cement his legacy. Thomson’s precision and longevity earned him the No. 3 spot in Australian Golf Digest’s all-time list.

4. **Adam Scott**
Australia’s most recent men’s major winner at the 2013 Masters — the first Aussie to claim the green jacket — Scott held world No. 1 for 11 weeks. With 31 professional wins, including 14 on the PGA Tour, his elegant swing and consistency make him a modern icon. He ranks in the top 10 on most historical lists, often No. 6 or higher.

5. **Jason Day**
A 2015 PGA Championship winner, Day reached world No. 1 and won 13 PGA Tour titles, including The Players Championship twice. His 2015 season — six wins, including a major — ranks among the best by any Australian. Injuries slowed him later, but his peak performance secures a top-10 spot, frequently No. 10 in rankings.

6. **Kel Nagle**
The 1960 British Open champion defeated a young Arnold Palmer at St. Andrews. Nagle’s 59 professional wins and role in Australia’s golden era place him high on historical lists, often No. 4.

7. **David Graham**
A two-time major winner (1979 PGA Championship, 1981 U.S. Open), Graham was the first Australian to win the U.S. Open. His 38 professional victories and technical prowess earn him consistent top-10 recognition.

8. **Jan Stephenson**
With three majors (1981 du Maurier, 1982 LPGA Championship, 1983 U.S. Women’s Open), Stephenson brought flair and competitiveness to women’s golf. Her impact on the LPGA Tour secures her place among the elite.

9. **Jim Ferrier**
Australia’s first major champion (1947 PGA Championship), Ferrier won 14 PGA Tour events in the 1940s. His pioneering role earns him a spot on many lists.

10. **Minjee Lee** (or emerging contenders like Min Woo Lee)
Minjee Lee has three majors (2021 Evian, 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA), joining an elite group. Her brother Min Woo Lee, a rising star with DP World Tour wins and predictions of cracking the world top 10 in 2026, represents the future. Current power rankings highlight young talents like Hannah Green (2019 KPMG winner) and Min Woo, but Lee’s major tally edges her in.

Honorable mentions include Geoff Ogilvy (2006 U.S. Open), Wayne Grady (1986 PGA), Steve Elkington (1995 PGA) and Walter Travis, an early 20th-century amateur legend.

Australia’s golf legacy thrives in 2026, with Min Woo Lee at world No. 44, Jason Day at 55 and Adam Scott at 64 leading active players. The nation’s courses rank among the world’s best, and its players continue to compete at the highest levels.

From Thomson’s Open dominance to Norman’s global stardom and Webb’s major mastery, Australia’s golfers have shaped the game. As new talents emerge, the list may evolve, but these 10 stand as enduring benchmarks.

Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) tumbled more than 7% in the latest session as escalating U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes injected fresh volatility into global markets, heightening concerns over energy supply disruptions, inflation pressures and broader economic fallout.

The investment bank’s stock closed at $859.57 on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, down $69.43 or 7.47% from the previous close of $929.00. Trading volume surged to 5.55 million shares, well above the average, reflecting heavy selling pressure. After-hours trading showed minimal recovery, with the price dipping slightly to around $859.49. As of early Monday trading in Asia and Europe, futures indicated continued weakness, with broader equity indices like the S&P 500 down over 1% amid risk-off sentiment.

The sharp decline came amid a broader market reaction to the conflict. Oil prices surged 8-10% as Iranian attacks disrupted shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of prolonged supply interruptions. Goldman Sachs analysts have maintained a baseline Brent crude forecast around $60 by year-end but acknowledged significant upside risks from Middle East tensions. In prior assessments, the firm estimated that an extended closure of the strait could push prices past $100 per barrel, potentially triggering inflationary spikes and pressuring consumer spending and corporate margins.

For Goldman Sachs, the impact is multifaceted. As a major player in global markets, fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC) trading, the firm benefits from increased volatility through higher trading volumes and spreads. However, sustained geopolitical uncertainty could weigh on investment banking activity, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets issuance if risk aversion persists. Equity trading and wealth management segments might face headwinds from client caution.

The drop erased much of recent gains, with the stock hitting a four-week low during the session. Year-to-date performance remains positive but moderated, with shares up from 2025 levels despite the pullback. The 52-week range spans $439.38 to $984.70, with the all-time high near $976 in mid-January 2026.

Goldman Sachs reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results on Jan. 15, 2026. Net revenues reached $13.45 billion, slightly beating estimates, while net earnings totaled $4.62 billion. Diluted EPS came in at $14.01 (or adjusted figures around $14.28 in some reports), surpassing consensus by about 20%. Full-year performance reflected resilience in a mixed environment, with strength in trading offsetting softer investment banking fees amid economic uncertainty.

The firm continues to emphasize cost discipline, strategic positioning in private credit and AI-driven risk tools. CEO David Solomon has highlighted adaptability, including disclosures about personal holdings in Bitcoin while noting ongoing evaluation of cryptocurrency dynamics.

A key event for shareholders is the quarterly dividend. Goldman Sachs declared $4.50 per share, payable March 30, 2026, to holders of record as of the ex-dividend date of March 2, 2026. This equates to an annualized $18.00 payout and a forward yield around 2.09% based on recent prices. Historical data shows reliable post-ex-dividend recovery, with backtests indicating full dividend capture within about 3 days on average.

Analyst sentiment leans “Hold,” with a consensus price target near $916-$959. Recent updates include Argus raising its target to $1,066 with a “buy” rating, while others like Autonomous Research trimmed to $960 but maintained “outperform.” Institutional ownership stands high at over 71%, with firms like Davis R.M. Inc. and Becker Capital Management adjusting positions modestly in recent quarters.

The conflict’s wildcard status dominates near-term outlook. President Donald Trump’s comments framing operations as potentially concluding in “four weeks or less” offer some reassurance, but analysts caution that prolonged disruptions could elevate recession risks. Goldman Sachs strategists note equity reactions depend more on the durability of energy shocks than headline events.

Broader implications include rotation away from growth stocks toward defensive and energy sectors. Defense contractors and oil majors like Exxon Mobil gained, while banks and cyclicals faced pressure.

Goldman Sachs’ market cap hovers around $258-$260 billion, with a P/E ratio near 16.75-16.76 based on trailing earnings. Beta of 1.31 indicates higher volatility than the market average.

Investors await the next earnings report, scheduled for April 13, 2026, covering Q1. Consensus anticipates continued strength in trading amid volatility, though geopolitical clouds loom.

As markets digest the weekend’s developments, Goldman Sachs remains a bellwether for Wall Street’s response to global crises, blending trading upside with macro downside risks.

The Competition and Markets Authority is probing whether chains shared commercially sensitive information through data analytics tool run by CoStar, which is also part of investigation

Hotel giants Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn owner InterContinental Hotels Group and commercial property data analytics firm CoStar are facing an investigation by the UK’s competition watchdog over suspected sharing of sensitive information.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining whether the international hotel companies exchanged information via CoStar’s data analytics platform STR and so-called algorithms to assist them in making commercial decisions.

CoStar is being investigated as it controls the data platform through which commercially sensitive information may be shared.

The CMA stated that when competitors exchange commercially sensitive information through a data provider, it can enable them to anticipate each other’s actions and to align their behaviour and pricing strategies.

The CMA added: “At this stage, no assumptions should be made about whether the law has been broken.

“Following a period of investigation and information gathering, the CMA may issue a statement of objections if it comes to the provisional view that competition law has been infringed.”

The investigation forms part of the regulator’s drive to ensure emerging technology, such as pricing algorithms, promotes fair competition and is not exploited to disadvantage consumers.

A pricing algorithm is a data-driven system that determines or suggests pricing levels, typically based on current and historical data regarding market conditions. The CMA explained: “Companies use various types of data analytics tools and algorithms to help them make commercial decisions.

“This can bring benefits including more intense competition, lower costs, and faster changes in prices to better match demand and supply in markets.

“However, when rival businesses share competitively sensitive information – including through a third-party data analytics provider – this reduces the uncertainty competing businesses normally have about how each other will act.

“This can affect how strongly companies compete because it makes it easier for them to predict what each other will do and coordinate their behaviour.”

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which features on London’s FTSE 100 Index, witnessed its shares drop 5% on Monday morning, though this also occurred alongside broader market falls triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

An IHG spokesperson confirmed the company would “co-operate fully with the CMA’s inquiries” but refused to comment further.

A CoStar spokesperson indicated the company was “happy to provide the CMA with assistance”.

The firm continued: “We are surprised at the CMA’s interest in a long-standing hotel data analytics and benchmarking platform, that for decades has been used by companies and government entities alike to better assess market dynamics.”

Hilton and Marriott have been contacted for comment.

AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities have identified the gunman in a deadly mass shooting early Sunday outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, as the FBI investigates possible ties to terrorism amid reports the suspect wore clothing featuring an Iranian flag and phrases like “Property of Allah.”

Diagne, who lived in Pflugerville, a suburb north of Austin, opened fire just before 2 a.m. local time on March 1, 2026, using both a pistol and a rifle, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. He drove past the popular beer garden multiple times in an SUV before stopping, firing shots from the vehicle window at people on the patio and sidewalk, then exiting to continue the attack. Responding officers, already positioned nearby in the bustling nightlife district, confronted him at an intersection and fatally shot him, ending the rampage.

The incident left two civilians dead at the scene and 14 others wounded, three of whom were in critical condition Sunday morning, per Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz. Paramedics arrived within 57 seconds of the initial 1:59 a.m. call, treating 17 patients total. Three were pronounced dead on site, including Diagne.

The FBI has joined the investigation, citing “indicators of potential ties to terrorism,” though officials stressed it remains too early for a definitive motive determination. A law enforcement source told The Associated Press that Diagne’s clothing included an Iranian flag emblem and declarations of “Property of Allah,” raising questions about ideological motivations amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following recent military escalations in the Middle East.

Diagne immigrated to the U.S. in 2006 and became a naturalized citizen in 2012, according to federal sources and media reports. Austin police officially confirmed his identity Sunday evening and released a photo of the suspect. No criminal history or prior law enforcement interactions were immediately detailed.

Witnesses described chaos and “pandemonium” as gunfire erupted in the crowded entertainment district, a vibrant strip of bars, music venues and restaurants near the University of Texas campus. One bystander captured video of the final moments, showing officers engaging the armed suspect as he approached with his weapon raised. People fled in panic, with some hiding behind vehicles or inside nearby establishments.

University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed students were among those affected, though specific details on their conditions were not released. The campus community expressed grief and support for victims.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered increased patrols and surveillance statewide in response. “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized,” he said in a statement. Local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, condemned the violence and called for swift justice.

The rapid police response drew praise from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who credited officers and first responders with saving lives. Officers transitioned quickly from routine patrols to confront the active shooter, firing after Diagne refused to drop his weapon.

The shooting occurred outside Buford’s, not inside, sparing patrons from direct entry by the gunman. The bar, a roadhouse-style spot known for its outdoor space, was packed with weekend crowds typical of Sixth Street’s lively scene.

Blood donations surged in response, with South Texas Blood & Tissue rushing 20 units from San Antonio to Austin hospitals. Community leaders urged continued support for victims and families.

The incident adds to a string of gun violence tragedies in Texas and nationwide, renewing debates over public safety in nightlife areas and access to firearms. No immediate legislative proposals emerged Sunday, but officials promised a thorough review.

The FBI’s terrorism probe will examine Diagne’s background, online activity, travel history and potential connections to extremist ideologies or foreign influences. Investigators recovered the suspect’s weapons and vehicle for forensic analysis.

As of Monday afternoon local time, three victims remained in critical condition, while others stabilized. Identities of the deceased civilians have not been released pending family notifications.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information or video footage to contact the Austin Police Department or FBI tip lines. The scene on West Sixth Street remained cordoned off for evidence collection into Sunday evening.

The tragedy has shocked Austin, a city often ranked among the safest large U.S. metros, and highlighted vulnerabilities in crowded public spaces amid global geopolitical strains.

Shares of Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) climbed sharply in early trading Monday as escalating U.S.-Iran military conflict drove oil prices higher, boosting prospects for the world’s largest publicly traded oil company amid fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Exxon Mobil stock opened higher and traded around $160-$161 in pre-market and early sessions on March 2, 2026, reflecting gains of 4-5% or more from Friday’s close of $152.50. The advance came after Brent crude surged as much as 10-13% toward $80 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate rose over 8% to near $73, triggered by attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional strikes. Energy stocks broadly outperformed as investors sought hedges against geopolitical risks.

The rally marks a reversal from recent concerns over potential oil price softness in 2026. The U.S. Energy Information Administration had forecast WTI averaging $53.42 per barrel next year, down from $65.40 in 2025, due to rising inventories. But the sudden conflict has injected a substantial risk premium, with analysts warning prices could hit $100 or more if disruptions persist.

Exxon Mobil, with vast upstream operations in the Permian Basin and Guyana, stands to benefit directly from elevated crude values. The company’s integrated model — spanning exploration, production, refining and chemicals — provides resilience, though refining margins could face pressure if product demand softens amid economic fallout from higher energy costs.

Friday’s close at $152.50 represented a 2.67% gain on heavy volume of over 30 million shares, capping a strong February where the stock hit a 52-week high near $157. Year-to-date performance remains robust, with shares up significantly from 2025 lows around $98, driven by solid fundamentals and shareholder returns.

The company’s latest earnings, reported Jan. 30 for the fourth quarter of 2025, showed adjusted earnings per share of $1.71, beating estimates of $1.63. Full-year 2025 earnings totaled $28.8 billion, down from 2024 but supported by advantaged volumes and cost savings. Exxon distributed $37.2 billion to shareholders in 2025, including $17.2 billion in dividends — the second-highest among S&P 500 firms — and $20 billion in buybacks. It plans similar repurchases through 2026.

Dividend yield hovers around 2.7%, with the quarterly payout at $1.03 per share (annualized $4.12). The ex-dividend date for the most recent was Feb. 12, 2026, with payment on March 10.

Analyst sentiment remains mixed. Consensus price target sits around $140-$142, implying modest downside from recent levels, with ratings averaging “Hold.” High targets reach $171, while lows are $111. Firms like Wells Fargo maintain “Overweight” at $156-$183, citing strong assets and low-carbon initiatives. However, some flag overvaluation if oil prices revert lower post-conflict.

Exxon advances low-carbon efforts, targeting multiple carbon capture startups in Texas and Louisiana in 2026, plus first LNG from Golden Pass in March. These add long-term optionality amid energy transition pressures.

Market cap exceeds $635 billion, with a P/E ratio near 22.8 based on trailing EPS of $6.69. Beta of 0.35 reflects lower volatility than the broader market.

The Iran conflict dominates near-term sentiment. U.S. and Israeli strikes, including the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, prompted Iranian retaliation hitting Gulf infrastructure and shipping. The Strait of Hormuz — handling 20% of global oil — faces effective disruptions from tanker halts and insurance withdrawals.

Energy analysts note Exxon’s low-cost production and balance sheet strength position it well for sustained higher prices. Upstream earnings could surge, offsetting potential downstream weakness.

Broader markets opened lower Monday, with S&P 500 futures down 1-1.5% as risk-off flows favored safe havens like gold and the dollar. Airlines and consumer stocks faced pressure from higher fuel costs.

Exxon executives, including Senior VP Jack Williams, are scheduled to speak at the Morgan Stanley Energy & Power Conference March 3 in New York, potentially providing updates on operations and outlook.

Investors monitor conflict developments closely. A quick de-escalation could pull oil prices back, pressuring shares; prolonged tensions favor energy majors like Exxon.

Next earnings report is expected May 1, 2026, for Q1, with consensus EPS around $1.53.

As geopolitical risks reshape energy markets, Exxon Mobil remains a bellwether for oil sector performance, blending traditional strengths with strategic diversification.