Business
Global Market Today | Stocks dive in Asia, brent crude heads for record monthly rise
The Financial Times on Sunday quoted President Donald Trump saying the U.S. could seize Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, from where Iran exports much of its oil, but also that a ceasefire could come quickly.
Pakistan said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” to end the conflict over Iran in coming days even though Tehran earlier accused Washington of preparing a land assault as the U.S. military sends more troops to the region.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis also launched their first attacks on Israel since the start of the conflict.
“Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, capacity to disrupt global energy and food markets, and sustained missile and drone capabilities give it little incentive to concede, pressuring the U.S. to escalate,” said Madison Cartwright, senior geo-economics analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
“We expect the war to run at least into June, with the risk tilted to a longer conflict.”
The clampdown on the Strait has sent prices for oil, gas, fertiliser, plastic and aluminium surging, along with fuel for planes and shipping. Prices for food, pharmaceuticals and petrochemical products are all set to rise. That is bad news for Asia, as much of the region is highly dependent on energy from the Middle East. Japan’s Nikkei shed another 4.7%, bringing losses for March to almost 14%.
South Korea’s market fell 4.2%, while MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 1.2%.
S&P 500 futures lost 0.7%, while Nasdaq futures fell 0.9%. For Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and DAX futures both slid 1.5%, while FTSE futures fell 1.0%.
Brent crude rose 3.0% to $115.98 a barrel, bringing its gains for the month to 60% and topping the jump that followed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. U.S. crude climbed 3.0% to $102.52, making a monthly rise of 53%.
“The longer the Strait remains closed, the sharper the drawdown in buffer supplies that could spark dramatic increases in the price of crude oil, natural gas and other commodities,” warned Bruce Kasman, global head of economics at JPMorgan.
“A scenario in which the Strait remains closed for an additional month would be consistent with oil prices rising towards $150/bbl and constraints on industrial consumers of energy supply.”
FED IN FOCUS AS PAYROLLS LOOM
The inflationary threat has led investors to revise up the outlook for interest rates almost everywhere. Markets now imply 12 basis points of tightening by the Federal Reserve this year, compared with 50 basis points of cuts a month ago.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will have a chance to air his own views at an event later on Monday, and the influential head of the New York Fed, John Williams, is also talking.
Data on U.S. retail sales, manufacturing and payrolls this week will provide an update on how the economy is travelling. Jobs are seen rising 55,000 in March, after February’s shock 92,000 drop, keeping unemployment at 4.4%.
In the European Union, figures on Tuesday are forecast to show annual inflation leaped to 2.7% in March from 1.9% the month before, though core prices should be steadier.
The energy shock, combined with pressure on fiscal budgets from higher borrowing costs and the need for more defence spending, has slugged sovereign bond markets.
Ten-year U.S. Treasury yields are up roughly 47 basis points for the month so far at 4.428%, while two-year yields have climbed 54 basis points.
Heightened volatility in markets has tended to benefit the U.S. dollar as the world’s most liquid currency. The United States is also a net energy exporter, giving it a relative advantage over Europe and much of Asia.
The dollar was holding at 160.12 yen, having last week crossed the 160 barrier for the first time since July 2024 when Japan last intervened to prop up the currency.
The euro was stuck at $1.1500, not far from the March trough of $1.1409.
In commodity markets, gold was down 1.0% at $4,445 an ounce , having drawn scant support as a safe haven or as a hedge against inflation risks.
Business
CLUMP Solves Puzzle 1767 for Players Worldwide
NEW YORK — The New York Times Wordle puzzle for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, delivered a compact challenge with the answer CLUMP, leaving many players scrambling in the final guesses while others celebrated quick solves on the 1,767th edition of the popular daily word game.

Wordle #1767 stumped a fair share of the global audience with its mix of common letters and a slightly tricky vowel placement. The solution, CLUMP, is both a noun describing a dense mass or cluster and a verb meaning to form such a group or walk heavily. According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, it refers to “a lump; mass,” or “to cause to form clumps.” The word offered a satisfying click for solvers who landed on it within six attempts, especially those who started with strong openers like SLATE or CRANE.
Players who tuned in early Tuesday encountered subtle hints across fan sites and social media. The puzzle began with the letter C and ended with P. It featured one vowel — the U — and no repeated letters. A popular hint circulating online described it as “a messy little bundle” or “a compacted mass,” steering clever guessers toward the correct path without giving away too much.
Many turned to community discussions on Reddit’s r/wordlegame, where users shared their grids and strategies. One player posted a four-guess victory: starting with SUGAR, then BLUNT, PLUME and finally CLUMP. Others needed five or six tries, often testing words like CLOUD, CLIMB or PLUMP before hitting the mark. Hard-mode players, who must use revealed letters in subsequent guesses, found the puzzle moderately challenging but fair.
Wordle’s simple rules continue to draw millions daily. Players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word, with feedback shown in colored tiles: green for correct letter in the correct position, yellow for correct letter in the wrong position, and gray for letters not in the word at all. The game resets at midnight local time, ensuring a fresh puzzle each day.
The April 21 solution followed Monday’s answer, WEAVE, which tested knitting and fabric-related vocabulary. Tuesday’s CLUMP shifted the theme toward something more tangible and everyday — think a clump of grass, a clump of hair or snow clumping on boots during a winter walk. Its versatility as both noun and verb made it a fitting choice for the midweek puzzle.
For those who missed it, spoilers are now safe: the word was CLUMP. If you’re reading this after playing, congratulations to those who solved it in three guesses or fewer — you join an elite group. For the rest, there’s always tomorrow’s puzzle, expected to bring a new five-letter test.
Wordle’s enduring popularity stems from its accessibility and shareable nature. Friends and families compete daily, posting colored grids on X, Instagram and WhatsApp with captions like “Got it in 4!” or “Tough one today.” The game’s minimalist design, created by Josh Wardle and later acquired by The New York Times, avoids ads and distractions, focusing purely on the joy of deduction.
On April 21, 2026, social media buzzed with reactions ranging from relief to playful frustration. Some players admitted starting with words containing multiple vowels and quickly narrowing options once the C and P locked in. Others noted that CLUMP’s uncommon combination — C-L-U-M-P — required careful elimination of common traps like CRAMP or CHUMP.
Strategy experts recommend beginning with words rich in vowels and frequent consonants. Favorites include ADIEU, AUDIO, SLATE, CRANE or TRACE. These openers maximize information from the first guess. On Tuesday, players who tested early C-words gained an edge. Those who included U in their second or third guess often accelerated toward victory.
The New York Times publishes an official review each day, offering deeper insights into the puzzle. For #1767, the review confirmed CLUMP as a solid mid-difficulty word that rewarded logical thinking without relying on obscure vocabulary. No rare letters like Q, X or Z appeared, keeping the puzzle approachable for casual players while still offering a brain workout.
Wordle has spawned numerous variants and spin-offs, including Quordle, Octordle and even geography-themed games, but the original remains the gold standard. Its streak feature encourages daily play, with some dedicated fans boasting hundreds of consecutive wins. On April 21, many extended their streaks successfully, while others saw them snap after an ill-fated guess.
Parents and teachers often praise Wordle for building vocabulary and critical thinking skills in a fun, low-pressure way. Children as young as elementary school enjoy simplified versions, while adults appreciate the quick mental break during busy mornings or lunch hours.
The game’s global reach means players in different time zones tackle the same puzzle at staggered times. For those in earlier zones, hints from late-night solvers can tempt early peeks, though most prefer the pure challenge. On this Tuesday, international communities from Europe to Asia shared their victories as the day progressed.
Looking ahead, Wordle shows no signs of slowing. The New York Times continues to curate a balanced mix of common and occasional trickier words, ensuring variety without alienating the massive player base. Future puzzles are expected to maintain the same engaging format that has made Wordle a cultural phenomenon since its 2021 explosion in popularity.
For anyone still curious about today’s solve path, common progressions included testing S-words first, then shifting to C-starters once initial feedback appeared. Words like CLAMP or CLIMB frequently appeared as near-misses before the correct CLUMP emerged. The M and L placements proved pivotal for many who solved it in four or five attempts.
If CLUMP eluded you today, don’t worry — the beauty of Wordle lies in its daily reset. Tomorrow’s puzzle, #1768, will offer a fresh start and new opportunity to build or extend your streak. In the meantime, players can review past solutions or practice with unlimited modes available on fan sites.
The April 21, 2026, edition reinforced why millions return each day: a perfect blend of simplicity, strategy and satisfaction when those final green tiles lock into place. Whether solved in two guesses or six, landing on CLUMP brought a small moment of triumph for solvers worldwide.
As the sun set on another Wordle Tuesday, players already began speculating about Wednesday’s word. For now, the official answer stands clear: CLUMP. Share your grid, celebrate your score and get ready for the next round — because in the world of Wordle, there’s always another puzzle waiting at midnight.
The game continues to evolve subtly through community feedback, yet its core remains unchanged: one word, six tries, endless fun. On this spring day in 2026, CLUMP joined the ever-growing list of solutions that have entertained, challenged and connected people across continents.
Business
UK government raises electricity generator levy to 55%

UK government raises electricity generator levy to 55%
Business
Crest Nicholson shares crash 37% to record low as FY profit forecast slashed

Crest Nicholson shares crash 37% to record low as FY profit forecast slashed
Business
King Charles Remembers Late Queen Elizabeth II on What Would Have Been Her 100th Birthday
April 21, 2026, would have been the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, and her son, King Charles III, is leading the tributes for her on this special day.
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022. She was 96 years old.
King Charles III Leads Tributes for Queen Elizabeth II
According to a report by CNN, King Charles shared a personal message on his mother’s birth anniversary, which has been shared online,
“Her near century was one of remarkable change, and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served,” he said in the video.
The royal family’s social media pages shared a photo of the smiling queen with a simple caption, “Remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022.”
You can watch King Charles III’s full message below.
Memorial Project for Queen Elizabeth II
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles and Queen Camilla will be showed the final design of a traditional bronze statue of the late queen as part of a memorial project, according to BBC.
The statue, which will be 9.84 feet tall, will be placed in St. James’s Park. It is inspired by the 1955 painting of the late Queen by Pietro Annigoni.
Aside from this bronze statue, a bust of the Queen in her later years is also part of the memorial project. A bronze statue of her husband, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, will likewise be included.
A digital historical archive will also be created as part of the project and will include memories and history of royal events.
Business
Poland’s industrial output rises 9.4% in March, beating forecasts

Poland’s industrial output rises 9.4% in March, beating forecasts
Business
9 Business Ideas To Earn Money Today Without Capital
Many people believe that starting a business always requires money. While having capital can certainly help, it is not always necessary. In reality, there are many ways to start earning income using only your time, skills, and creativity.
If you are currently struggling financially and need to earn money immediately—even within the same day—there are several simple business ideas you can start right away without spending anything.
The key is to focus on services instead of products. Services rely on effort rather than capital, which means you can start immediately using what you already have.
Here are nine practical business ideas you can try today if you need to earn money quickly without any upfront investment.
1. Offer Errand Services
Many people are simply too busy to complete everyday tasks. This creates an opportunity for you to earn money by offering errand services.
You can help people with tasks such as:
- Buying groceries
- Picking up packages
- Paying bills
- Dropping off documents
- Waiting in line for services
Start by offering your service to neighbors, coworkers, or friends through social media. Even charging a small service fee can quickly add up if you complete multiple errands in a day.
Since this only requires your time and willingness to help, it is one of the easiest ways to earn money immediately.
2. Sell Unused Items Online
One of the fastest ways to earn money within the day is by selling items you already own but no longer use.
Look around your home and identify things such as:
- Clothes you rarely wear
- Old gadgets or accessories
- Books
- Kitchen tools
- Unused decorations
Take clear photos and post them on Facebook Marketplace, community groups, or messaging apps. Price them slightly lower than market value to attract buyers quickly.
Many people manage to sell items within hours, especially if the price is reasonable.
3. Offer Cleaning Services
Cleaning services are always in demand. Many homeowners would gladly pay someone to help clean their house, yard, or garage.
You can offer services such as:
- Basic house cleaning
- Garage organizing
- Yard sweeping
- Dishwashing
- Laundry assistance
Start by posting in local Facebook groups or messaging neighbors. Since this type of service requires effort rather than capital, it is perfect for earning money quickly.
Even a single cleaning job can bring immediate income on the same day.
4. Become a Local Delivery Helper
With the rise of online selling and food deliveries, many small sellers need help delivering items to customers.
If you have a bicycle, motorcycle, or even just the ability to walk short distances, you can offer delivery services for local sellers.
Message online sellers in your area and offer to deliver their orders for a small fee. Some sellers are happy to outsource deliveries because it saves them time and effort.
This can quickly turn into multiple delivery tasks in one day.
5. Offer Basic Tech Help
Not everyone is comfortable with technology. Many people need help with simple tasks like setting up apps, installing software, or fixing small phone or computer issues.
If you have basic tech knowledge, you can offer help such as:
- Installing applications
- Setting up email accounts
- Cleaning phone storage
- Troubleshooting slow devices
- Teaching basic smartphone usage
Even simple tech assistance can be valuable to those who struggle with digital devices.
You can charge a small service fee and finish multiple tasks within the same day.
6. Offer Writing or Typing Services
If you have access to a computer or smartphone and can type quickly, you can offer writing or typing services.
Examples include:
- Typing handwritten notes
- Creating simple documents
- Transcribing audio recordings
- Writing short social media captions
Students, small businesses, and content creators often need quick help with these tasks.
Promote your service on social media or among friends who might need assistance.
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet owners sometimes need someone to watch or walk their pets while they are busy or away from home.
You can offer services such as:
- Dog walking
- Pet feeding
- Short-term pet sitting
- Cleaning pet areas
This can be a fun and easy way to earn money while spending time with animals.
Ask neighbors or post in community groups to find pet owners who need help.
8. Offer Simple Tutoring
If you are good at a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to students who need help.
This could include:
- Basic math tutoring
- English conversation practice
- Homework assistance
- Exam preparation
You do not need to be a professional teacher. Many parents simply want someone patient who can help their children understand lessons better.
Even short tutoring sessions can provide immediate income.
9. Social Media Posting for Small Businesses
Many small businesses want to promote their products online but do not have the time to manage their social media pages.
You can offer simple services such as:
- Posting product photos
- Writing captions
- Replying to basic messages
- Sharing posts in groups
If you already spend time on social media, this can easily become a small service business.
Start by contacting small online sellers and offering affordable help managing their posts.
When money is tight, the most important thing is to focus on action instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity. Many successful entrepreneurs started with nothing but determination and a willingness to work.
The good news is that earning money does not always require large investments. By offering useful services, helping others solve small problems, and using the skills you already have, it is possible to start earning income immediately.
Try one or two of these ideas today and see which works best for you. Sometimes, the simplest opportunities can lead to bigger business ideas in the future.
Remember, every successful business once started with a single small step.
Business
China’s Changan aims to be among world’s top-10 carmakers by 2030

China’s Changan aims to be among world’s top-10 carmakers by 2030
Business
New West Foods buys European Foods from Yukich family
Fine foods wholesaler European Foods has been snapped up by New West Foods for an undisclosed sum.
The purchase by the Venoutsos family business will see two of Western Australia’s largest homegrown food distributors form a single entity employing about 80 staff.
European Foods is a big name in WA’s gourmet food scene as a significant importer of specialty food and beverage brands from Europe.
It was the first company to import Parmigiano Reggiano and Campari apertif into the state.
New West Foods managing director Damon Venoutsos said the acquisition was a defining moment for WA’s food distribution industry.
“This acquisition sees an additional range including premium chocolate from Belgium in the Callebaut brand, and cheeses from all over the world including Netherlands, France, UK, Italy and Switzerland,” he said.
“We also see the brands known, created by European Foods decades ago, and admired in food service kitchens across the state, including BIBO, Eureka, Pradera and Cecilia, being available now and complementary to the New West Foods range.
“It is anticipated this consolidation will see efficiencies and improvement in distribution costs, at a time when food pricing pressure in domestic markets is high and increasing.”
European Foods is a 90-year-old business founded by Giovanni Re, whose family migrated to Perth from Sicily.
It is best known as the former owner of Leederville’s The Re Store.
The Re family retained ownership of the Re Store when European Foods was sold to the Yukich family’s Y Group in 2019.
New West Food was established in 1988 by Constantine and Despa Venoutsos and has grown into the state’s largest independent food service products distributor.
New West processes more than 200 tonnes of fresh seafood per year, and more than 300 tonnes of Australian and New Zealand cheese at its Malaga base.
A 3.5-year contract to supply food to Optus Stadium signed in 2024 is among New West’s most prominent deals.
The sale includes European Foods’ new Osborne Park warehouse which incorporates the Cheese Cathedral, claimed to be the largest cheese room in Australia.
The former Northbridge warehouse was offloaded to Live Nation last year for $10m.
Business
Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB (publ) 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (OTCMKTS:WIHLY) 2026-04-21
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
Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust (MNULF) Discusses Financial Results, Portfolio Updates, and Strategic Asset Sale in Investor Briefing Transcript
Linus Loo
Hi, very good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Manulife US REIT’s webinar. So we’ll be having John, the CEO, do the presentation for us. And later, if there are any questions and answers, we will have it in the chat box where you can type your questions in and we would then read it out accordingly. Thank you. May I hand it over to management to start the presentation. Thank you.
John Casasante
CEO & Chief Information Officer of Manulife US Real Estate Management Pte. Ltd
Good afternoon, and welcome, everyone, to our investor briefing. I’ll start off by giving some highlights from our fiscal year 2025 financial results before sharing some updates on our MRA progress as well as our outlook and strategy.
Operationally, our occupancy has held relatively steady at 67.7% with a portfolio WALE of 4.5 years. We executed about 407,000 square feet of accretive leases in 2025, which is about 11.5% of our portfolio NLA. Our portfolio valuations dipped slightly at negative 1.6% to USD 913.8 million, while aggregate leverage increased to 58.4%. As of December 31, 2025, our weighted average interest rate was 4.58%, slightly improved from 4.69% in third quarter of 2025.
In December 2025, unitholders approved our Growth and Value Up Plan, and our lenders also approved the master restructuring agreement concessions, paving the way from us to exit the MRA and diversifying the portfolio and improving long-term value
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