The high street giant faces £15m in costs from the Middle East conflict and warns prices may rise if disruption continues, as it announces Yorkshire warehouse expansion

High street giant Next has revealed it will absorb a £15m blow from the surging air freight and fuel costs triggered by the Iran conflict, as it scrambles to identify savings elsewhere to counterbalance the expenses.

The FTSE 100 retailer said it anticipates the conflict will restrict its expansion in the Middle East, which represents six per cent of its turnover, and will affect costs, pricing and consumer demand throughout the entire business.

Next recorded £1.2bn in pre-tax profit for the year to January 2026, an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year, as sales climbed 11 per cent to £7bn.

The retailer stated it has factored in £15m – offset by savings elsewhere – on the assumption that disruption from the Middle East conflict continues for three months. However, it cautioned that prices would need to rise if the hostilities persisted any longer, as reported by City AM.

The firm stated: “At this point, the longer term implications of the conflict are uncertain, and NEXT is not well placed to make predictions. “

“Much will depend on how long the conflict persists, and how much permanent damage is done to the world’s energy infrastructure.”

The company reports the conflict is already damaging its sales, attributing its shortfall against its 16.5 per cent international sales growth guidance to disruption in the Middle East.

Sales in the Middle East will remain below projections for at least the remainder of the first half of the year, Next indicated.

The retailer experienced £75m in cost increases over the past year, with national insurance and wage rises, higher interest costs and an increased marketing spend contributing to the £15m impact from the Middle East conflict.

Next said it achieved £57m in savings last year, including £39m from returning employee bonuses to standard levels.

The firm’s profit from its retail stores fell five per cent to £193m despite rising sales (up 2.4 per cent), which the company attributed to increased employment costs.

Retail leaders have warned the rise in national insurance contributions and minimum wage levels is placing pressure on recruitment, as bosses prepare for additional costs when Labour’s workers’ rights reforms take effect this year.

Next said its overall profit growth was partly driven by expansion of its international business, with global sales increasing 35 per cent – significantly faster than the UK’s seven per cent.

While many retail giants rush to incorporate AI-powered shopping into their systems, Next has said it will not develop a central artificial intelligence function.

The firm said: “The benefits AI can bring to software development, range development, customer service and warehouse operations are so varied, and their challenges so different, that generic advice from a central function would be little more use than a central Spreadsheet Department.”

The retailer stated that its investment in fresh and recently-acquired brands is fuelling growth, and announced it has received planning permission for a 1.2m sq foot warehouse in Elmsall, Wakefield, which it believes could contribute £2.5bn to UK sales.

In January, Next acquired high-street footwear retailer Russell & Bromley, adding to recent purchases including vintage-inspired retailer Cath Kidston and clothing brand Joules.

Next’s chairman, Michael Roney, revealed his contract has been extended by the board, as he announced the departure of two board members: Jane Shields and Jonathan Bewes.

SYDNEY — Defence technology company DroneShield Ltd led the S&P/ASX 200’s biggest gainers on Wednesday, surging 19.33% to close at A$4.26 as investors piled into counter-drone and resources names amid ongoing uncertainty from the US-Iran conflict and broader commodity movements.

The benchmark index recovered strongly, rising 1.85% to close at 8,534.3 points after earlier weakness tied to oil price volatility and global risk sentiment. While the broader market showed mixed performance, select stocks in defence, nuclear technology and critical minerals posted double-digit gains, reflecting themes of geopolitical hedging and supply chain security.

Here are the five biggest percentage gainers among ASX 200 constituents on March 25, 2026, based on closing prices and trading data:

1. DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) — Shares exploded 19.33% higher to A$4.26. The counter-drone specialist benefited from heightened global security concerns and potential increased demand for its systems amid Middle East tensions. Trading volume was robust, with the stock attracting strong retail and institutional interest as investors sought exposure to defence technology plays.

2. Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) — The nuclear technology and enrichment company jumped 13.50% to A$5.55. Silex has been linked to advanced uranium processing capabilities, drawing attention as energy security and alternative fuel sources gain focus amid oil market disruptions. The stock has been volatile but found support from positive sector sentiment.

3. Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) — Lithium and geothermal energy developer Vulcan rose 11.90% to A$3.29. The company’s zero-carbon lithium extraction projects in Europe and Australia appealed to investors betting on long-term critical minerals demand, even as short-term oil shocks dominated headlines.

4. Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) — The lithium miner gained 11.61% to A$1.73. Liontown’s Kathleen Valley project in Western Australia continues to progress, and the stock benefited from renewed interest in battery metals amid expectations of sustained electric vehicle and energy storage growth despite near-term economic headwinds.

5. Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) — Gold producer Bellevue climbed 11.07% to A$1.41. Safe-haven demand for gold provided some support, though the stock’s strong move also reflected company-specific developments and broader resources sector rotation on the day.

The session highlighted a clear rotation into defence and select resources names. DroneShield’s outsized gain stood out, with analysts noting the company’s technology could see increased adoption as nations bolster defences against drone threats in unstable regions. The stock has been a strong performer in recent months but remains volatile given its smaller size and sector exposure.

Silex Systems and Vulcan Energy underscored ongoing interest in energy transition and security themes. While the immediate focus remains on oil and traditional energy prices, longer-term bets on nuclear, lithium and critical minerals continued to attract capital. Liontown and Bellevue added to the resources flavour, with gold providing some defensive characteristics amid uncertainty.

Broader market context showed the ASX 200 rebounding from recent pressure linked to the Middle East conflict. Oil price volatility had weighed on sentiment earlier in the week, but signs of potential diplomatic progress or contained escalation helped lift risk appetite on Wednesday. Materials and industrials sectors outperformed, while financials and consumer stocks were more mixed.

Trading volume across the ASX 200 was solid, reflecting active participation from both institutional and retail investors. Defence and technology-related names saw particularly elevated turnover as traders repositioned portfolios in response to geopolitical developments.

For investors, the day’s movers illustrate how specific sectors can decouple from broader indices during periods of uncertainty. Defence stocks like DroneShield often rally on heightened global tensions, while resources companies can benefit from both commodity price swings and long-term thematic investing in energy transition.

Analysts caution that single-day moves can be volatile and driven by short-term catalysts rather than fundamental shifts. DroneShield, for instance, has a history of sharp swings tied to contract news or sector sentiment. Similarly, lithium and gold stocks remain sensitive to global economic outlooks, interest rates and supply-demand dynamics.

Looking ahead, attention will turn to further developments in the Middle East and any impact on commodity prices. A prolonged conflict could sustain volatility across resources and defence sectors, while a quick resolution might see profit-taking in recently strong names.

Australian investors should consider portfolio diversification and risk tolerance when evaluating these high-performing stocks. Many of the day’s top gainers carry higher volatility than the broader index, making them suitable for those comfortable with short-term price swings.

The ASX 200’s performance on March 25 provided a welcome lift after recent pressure, but underlying uncertainties from global events mean caution remains warranted. As always, past performance is no guarantee of future results, and investors are advised to conduct their own research or consult professional advisers.

SYDNEY — Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has transformed connectivity for thousands of Australians in remote, regional and rural areas where traditional NBN or fixed broadband falls short. With flexible plans starting at A$69 per month for a 100 Mbps tier and hardware options including the Standard kit and portable Starlink Mini, the service continues to expand rapidly across the country in 2026. Whether you’re a homeowner, caravan traveller or business operator, mastering the basics ensures reliable high-speed internet from virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

Here are 10 key things every Australian user needs to know to get the most out of Starlink.

1. Check Availability and Choose the Right Plan Before ordering, enter your address on the Starlink website (starlink.com/au) to confirm service availability. In 2026, Starlink offers tiered residential plans in Australia: the Residential 100 Mbps plan at A$69 per month (capped speeds typically 80-100 Mbps down), the Residential 200 Mbps plan at A$99 per month, and the uncapped Residential Max at A$139 per month. Unlimited data applies across plans, but priority data varies. Roam plans for travel start higher, with options including a low-cost Standby Mode for occasional use. Telstra also resells Starlink with its own pricing. No long-term contracts in most cases, but some discounted hardware deals require 12-month commitments.

2. Order the Right Hardware Kit The Standard kit (Gen 3) includes the rectangular dish, kickstand or mount options, Gen 3 router and cables. In select areas, hardware may be offered with no upfront cost on certain plans. The portable Starlink Mini is ideal for RVs or travel, with its own compact dish and lower power draw. Expect shipping fees around A$19. Kits arrive quickly in most regions. Choose permanent mounts for home use or mobile mounts for vehicles/caravans.

3. Download the Starlink App First The free Starlink app (available on iOS and Android) is essential. Use it before unboxing to check for obstructions at your intended installation site via the augmented reality “Check for Obstructions” tool. The app also handles account setup, Wi-Fi configuration, speed tests, firmware updates and troubleshooting. Keep it installed for ongoing monitoring of signal strength, outages and statistics.

4. Find an Optimal Installation Location Starlink requires a clear, unobstructed view of the northern sky (in Australia) for the best connection to the satellite constellation. Use the app’s obstruction scanner to identify the ideal spot — rooftops, poles or open ground work well. Avoid trees, buildings or hills that block the view. For permanent home setups, professional installers are recommended for roof mounting to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. DIY is possible but requires care with cabling and weatherproofing.

5. Perform the Physical Setup Unbox the kit carefully. For the Standard dish, attach the cable to the dish, mount it on the kickstand or permanent bracket, and position it outdoors facing roughly north with a clear sky view. Run the cable indoors to the Gen 3 router. Plug the router into power. The dish will automatically search for satellites (stow and align features help). The process typically takes 15-30 minutes. For Starlink Mini, the setup is even simpler with its integrated kickstand.

6. Complete Activation and Wi-Fi Setup Once powered on, connect your phone to the Starlink Wi-Fi network (default password on the router or in the app). Open the Starlink app to activate the service, update firmware and customise your network name and password. The system may take 10-20 minutes to achieve full connectivity as it aligns with satellites. Run a speed test in the app to verify performance — expect 50-250+ Mbps download depending on plan, location and network load.

7. Understand Performance and Limitations Starlink delivers low-latency broadband (typically 20-60 ms) suitable for streaming, video calls, online gaming and remote work. Speeds vary by plan tier, time of day and obstructions. In Australia, performance is generally strong in open regional areas but can be affected by heavy rain (rain fade) or dense foliage. The service includes unlimited data, but very high usage may trigger temporary deprioritisation during congestion. Roam users on mobile plans can take the dish anywhere in Australia with coverage.

8. Comply with Australian Regulations and Safety Starlink installations must follow Australian building and electrical codes. Professional installers are often required for roof or elevated mounts to ensure structural safety and compliance with local council rules. Cabling must be properly weatherproofed. Starlink is approved for use in Australia, but users in strata properties or rentals may need body corporate or landlord approval. For vehicles and vessels, ensure mounts comply with road or maritime safety standards.

9. Optimise for Travel and Mobile Use Starlink excels for caravans, RVs and remote work. Use the Starlink Mini or Standard with a mobile/roam plan. Secure the dish with vehicle-specific mounts to handle vibrations and wind. Power solutions include 12V inverters or portable batteries. The app’s obstruction checker helps find clear spots at campsites. Standby Mode offers a low-cost pause option for occasional travellers. Real-world users report reliable connectivity across much of Australia, including remote outback areas.

10. Troubleshoot and Maintain Your System Common issues include obstructions (use the app to scan), poor cable connections or firmware needing updates. The app provides detailed diagnostics and support tickets. Keep the dish clear of snow, heavy rain or debris. For long-term reliability, consider professional mounting and surge protection. Starlink support is available via the app or website. Firmware updates happen automatically and often improve performance.

Starlink has become a game-changer for Australians in areas with poor terrestrial broadband, delivering city-like speeds to the bush. With tiered pricing making it more accessible in 2026 and ongoing improvements in coverage and hardware, proper setup and usage are key to unlocking its full potential. Always check the official Starlink website or app for the latest plans, availability and guides specific to your location.

North West beauty and nutrition retailer saw TikTok Shop sales more than double

THG shares surged on Thursday after the e-commerce company swung back to profit, with pre-tax earnings surpassing market expectations.

The Manchester beauty and nutrition retailer reported profit after tax of £54.1m for 2025, reversing a loss of £326m the previous year, boosted by securing £103m from the sale of ingredients business Claremont in August.

TikTok Shop proved a key driver of the company’s growth, with sales on the platform more than doubling compared with 2024 after online beauty store Lookfantastic became the top-selling multi-brand beauty retailer on the social media platform.

Meanwhile, THG Nutrition’s sales growth was driven by increasing awareness of bodybuilding supplement Myprotein, with products now stocked in over 40,000 stores globally, and new licensing partnerships with global confectionery brand Mars.

The London-listed business is forecasting mid-to-high single digit revenue growth in its nutrition division with “strong underlying growth” in sales of beauty products, as reported by City AM.

The company could be in line for a windfall of as much as £78m if it wins a claim with HMRC over the VAT treatment of its protein powder.

Chief executive Matt Moulding said: “Our 21st year in business has been a ‘coming of age’ moment: A year of accelerating momentum, marked by a return to continuing CCY revenue growth, decisive strategic actions, and a clear validation of our long-term vision.

“We have simplified our structure, sharpened our focus on our key territories and brands, and strengthened our financial foundations.”

THG shares rose 8.3 per cent to 34.1p in the early moments of trading on Thursday. THG plc was the owner of City AM until its Ingenuity division separated from the wider group at the beginning of 2025.

India’s largest commodity exchange, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will remain shut for trading today in the first session between 9 am and 5 pm due to the Shri Ram Navami holiday. Trading will resume in the evening session between 5 pm and 11:30 pm.

The largest agri-commodity bourse, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) will remain closed in both sessions.

Indian equity markets NSE and BSE will also remain closed today.

The benchmark indices Nifty and the BSE Sensex extended their winning momentum on Wednesday as bulls remained in top form for the second session in a row. Action in banks, auto and consumer stocks lifted the market mood. Nifty settled at 23,306.45, surging by 394.05 points or 1.72% while the 30-stock Sensex reclaimed the 75k mark to close at 75,273.45, rising by 1,205 points or 1.63%.

MCX’s yearly calendar announces 16 trading holidays in 2026, during which the exchange will observe partial or full closures.

The next holiday this month will be on March 31, 2026, for Shri Mahavir Jayanti. However, the market will be closed in the morning session only and will resume trading in the evening session.
Going ahead, the full holidays will be on April 3 (Friday) for Good Friday, October 2 (Friday) for Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and December 25 (Friday) for Christmas. Month-wise holidays
In April, MCX will be closed on 14th for Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti in the morning but will resume trading in the evening session apart for full-day holiday on April 3.

MCX will remain closed in the morning session on May 1 and May 28 due to Maharashtra Day and Bakri Eid, respectively. In June, there will be a partial closure on the 26th on account of Moharram and trading will resume in the evening.

There will be no holidays in July and August.

In September, MCX will be closed in the morning session on the 14th for Ganesh Chaturthi. In October, the 20th will be a morning break for Dussehra with trading starting in the evening session.

November will see two partial shutdowns: one on the 10th (Tuesday) for Diwali Balipratipada and on the 24th (Tuesday) for Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Finally, it will be closed in both sessions on Friday December 25.

Meanwhile, NCDEX will be closed in both sessions on all the above days.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Finance chiefs once questioned the returns on investing in artificial intelligence. Those days are gone.

Speaking at The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Council Summit in Palo Alto, Calif., finance chiefs from the tech, retail and financial services sectors said their companies are seeing big gains in efficiency and productivity—in some cases worth millions of dollars—from their investments in generative AI. Nudging employees to embrace AI also has yielded new ideas about how to accomplish time-consuming tasks, CFOs said.

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Co-op chair Debbie White said: “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The Board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.”

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine’s lobster industry is facing mounting pressure after a harsh winter reduced fishing activity, slowed catches and added to rising costs across the sector.

The state, the largest lobster producer in the U.S., recorded its fourth consecutive annual decline in total catch, according to the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

A key driver was fewer days on the water. Maine lobster harvesters took more than 21,000 fewer fishing trips in 2025 than in 2024, the agency said. Total landings fell to just over 78 million pounds, the lowest level since 2008.

“It started in December, and in December you usually get to fish a lot of days, and we didn’t get to fish,” said lobsterman Greg Turner.

Turner, who has worked on a boat since childhood, said crews were only able to fish about half as many days as normal during peak winter months.

“If it’s zero out, and it’s blowing negative 25, you can’t go because it’s just – if something happened – you’d be done. You’d die out there, probably,” said Turner. 

HOME HEATING OIL FIRMS SQUEEZED AS DIESEL, CRUDE PRICES SURGE AMID MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS

Colder temperatures also affected lobster behavior, further limiting catches.

“It makes the lobsters slow down and stop crawling quicker, because when it gets cold, they don’t want to eat,” said Turner. 

RARE ‘COTTON CANDY’ LOBSTER CAUGHT IN NEW ENGLAND: ‘1 IN 100 MILLION’

The winter conditions have compounded existing financial pressures on the industry, including inflation, tariffs and shifting market dynamics.

Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Carl Wilson wrote that inflation and market uncertainty in 2025 challenged fishermen’s bottom lines. He added that a late molt limited access to new shell lobsters during summer, prompting some harvesters to reduce trips.

Despite the challenges, Maine’s commercial harvesters generated more than $600 million in 2025, marking the 14th straight year earnings exceeded $500 million. However, fishermen say higher revenues have not translated into stronger profits at the dock.

“Trust me, we’re not getting it, we are not getting it. But I mean, everything’s gone up for us – the price to buy it, to transport it, cook it, prepare it, that must all be gone up too. It’s just the world that we live in now,” said Turner. 

The average boat price remained relatively strong at $5.85 per pound, but industry advocates say higher dock prices are needed to sustain fishermen.

“We want to see a higher price on the dock. That’s what’s going to go directly to your fishermen and, hopefully, keep them fishing because they’re a really, really important part of our community,” said Alexa Dayton, executive director at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries.

MAINE LOBSTER FISHERMAN REVEALS WHY THE CRUSTACEANS SHE CATCHES TASTE ‘SWEETER,’ ‘BETTER’

Dayton is currently conducting a cost survey of several hundred lobstermen and said early responses highlight how significantly fishing time dropped this winter.

“They ideally want to be out, you know, 15 days in a month. This year they’re down to about five days,” said Dayton. 

She also pointed to uneven ocean conditions across the state. Waters in Down East Maine, from Stonington to Machias, have been significantly colder than average, particularly at the ocean floor, while parts of the western Gulf of Maine have seen relatively warmer conditions.

“There is such a thing as too cold for them,” Dayton said, referring to lobsters’ temperature range.

US LOBSTER INDUSTRY GRAPPLES CLIMATE CHANGE, WHALE PROTECTION REGULATIONS AS CATCHES DROP

Rising input costs are adding further strain. Dayton said bait prices have surged dramatically since her last survey in 2010.

“I mean it’s like 350% increases. It used to be kind of a thing you didn’t really worry so much about. Now it’s a real driver at the end of the day, what’s left in your pocket,” she said.

The financial pressure is extending beyond the docks into coastal economies. Dayton said many communities rely heavily on fishing income.

“But the stress of making a living and, again, you’re sort of watching days go by without an income that hurts both the fishing industry and also what happens on Main Street,” said Dayton. “I mean, this is, you know, 80% dependent on fishing for many of these coastal communities, at least that’s what our survey shows, and it trickles right down to what happens at the grocery store.”

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She added that most Maine lobstermen operate as small, independent businesses rather than corporate entities, making them particularly vulnerable to cost swings and lost fishing days.

“Fishermen operate their own individual businesses here in Maine. These aren’t corporate owners. I think that makes us unique and special.”