Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday the United States could achieve its objectives in Iran without the use of any ground troops and expected its operation to conclude in a matter of weeks, despite recent deployments of additional forces to the region.

Rubio spoke to reporters before returning to the US after he discussed with G7 foreign ministers in France the conflict launched by the US and Israel late last month.

Rubio said the US was achieving its objectives in the war-which he said were destroying Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and factories to produce those weapons, as well as its navy and its air force-and expected to conclude its operation in “weeks, not months”.

“We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any,” Rubio said.

Rubio said recent deployments of thousands more troops to the region were intended to give President Donald Trump options to respond to contingencies in the conflict, but declined to go into operational details.

“In terms of why there’s deployments, number one, the President has to be prepared for multiple contingencies… We are always going to be prepared to give the President maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge,” he said.
Several EU countries, now grappling with economic consequences of the war, have said they were not consulted by the US before it launched its military actions in Iran. French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin said on Friday that the war “is not ours,” adding that France’s position is strictly defensive. (with agency inputs)

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) shares closed at $252.89 on Thursday, up modestly by 0.27 or 0.11% from the prior session, demonstrating relative stability in a turbulent market rocked by escalating uncertainties in the U.S.-Iran conflict and sharply higher oil prices that stoked inflation fears across Wall Street.

The iPhone maker’s performance stood out amid broader selling pressure. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 469.38 points, or 1.01%, to close at 45,960.11, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped more than 2%, Apple managed a narrow gain on volume exceeding 41 million shares. The stock traded in a range between $250.77 and $257.00 during the session.

Apple’s market capitalization remained around $3.71 trillion to $3.75 trillion, underscoring its status as one of the world’s most valuable companies despite shares sitting roughly 12% below the 52-week high near $288.62. The stock continues to trade well above its 52-week low of about $169.21, supported by strong brand loyalty and a diversified business model.

Analysts maintain a predominantly bullish outlook. The consensus 12-month price target hovers near $297 to $304, suggesting potential upside of 17% to 20% from current levels. Optimistic calls, including from Wedbush Securities, point as high as $350, with analysts highlighting 2026 as a pivotal year for Apple’s artificial intelligence ambitions.

Market Volatility Tied to Middle East Developments

Thursday’s trading reflected Wall Street’s heightened sensitivity to geopolitical headlines. The U.S.-Iran conflict, now in its fourth week, has driven oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude climbing toward or above $104-$108 per barrel in recent sessions amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also rose significantly.

Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran have fueled uncertainty. Reports of a U.S. 15-point proposal for de-escalation met with Iranian denials or cautious reviews, dimming hopes for a swift resolution. Higher energy costs risk acting as a drag on consumer spending and corporate margins, potentially delaying Federal Reserve rate cuts and pressuring growth-sensitive sectors like technology.

Apple’s modest advance came even as high-valuation tech peers faced steeper declines. The company’s massive cash reserves, recurring services revenue and premium product positioning appeared to offer some buffer against the day’s macro headwinds.

Supply Chain Diversification Gains Momentum

Apple has accelerated efforts to reduce reliance on China for manufacturing. The company now assembles approximately 25% of its iPhones in India, producing around 55 million units there in 2025 — a 53% increase from the previous year. This shift helps mitigate risks from tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

Plans call for India to produce the majority — or potentially most — of iPhones sold in the United States by the end of 2026. This would require roughly doubling output in the country and represents a major step in Apple’s long-term supply chain strategy. The move comes as the company navigates potential trade policy changes and seeks greater geographic resilience.

Apple has also expanded its roster of U.S.-based suppliers and invested in domestic component production, further diversifying its global footprint while maintaining focus on quality and innovation.

AI Initiatives and Siri Overhaul in the Spotlight

Investors continue to eye Apple’s progress in artificial intelligence. The company is working on a significantly enhanced version of its Siri voice assistant, with expectations that a major upgrade could feature prominently at WWDC 2026 alongside iOS 27 and macOS 27 releases. Internal testing challenges have reportedly pushed some advanced capabilities beyond an earlier March target, with features potentially rolling out in phases through iOS 26.5 or later in the year.

Apple has explored partnerships, including potential integration of third-party models such as Google’s Gemini, to bolster Siri’s capabilities. While the company has adopted a more measured approach to generative AI spending compared with some rivals, executives and analysts believe these enhancements could drive meaningful growth as Apple Intelligence features expand across the ecosystem.

Upcoming software updates are expected to bring deeper on-device intelligence, better context awareness and improved handling of complex user requests. These developments could help Apple close perceived gaps with competitors in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

iPhone Demand and Services Growth Provide Foundation

The iPhone remains Apple’s core revenue driver, supported by loyal customers, trade-in programs and enterprise adoption. Steady demand has persisted despite macroeconomic pressures, though sustained high oil prices could eventually weigh on global consumer spending for premium devices.

Services — including the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, AppleCare and emerging advertising initiatives — continue to deliver high-margin, recurring revenue that provides stability. Plans to introduce ads in Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada this summer represent one avenue for further expansion.

Valuation remains a point of discussion, with shares trading around 32 times trailing earnings. Bulls argue that Apple’s ecosystem strength, innovation pipeline and capital return programs (dividends and buybacks) justify the multiple, while bears point to risks from trade policies, competition and any prolonged economic slowdown.

Analyst Views and Technical Considerations

Wall Street’s consensus rating for Apple is Moderate Buy to Buy, with dozens of analysts covering the stock. Price targets range from conservative levels near $205-$248 to bullish forecasts up to $350. Many see the current consolidation as a potential entry point for long-term investors betting on AI-driven growth and supply chain improvements.

Technically, support levels are watched near $250, with resistance around $257-$260 in the near term. A decisive move above recent highs could signal renewed momentum, while broader market weakness tied to energy prices or conflict escalation might test lower supports.

For individual investors, Apple often serves as a core holding in diversified portfolios due to its track record of adaptation and shareholder returns. However, near-term volatility linked to oil markets and geopolitics warrants caution and disciplined risk management.

Broader Context and Outlook

Apple’s relative resilience Thursday highlights the differing dynamics within the technology sector. While some names tied closely to cyclical spending or speculative AI plays faced heavier pressure, Apple’s blend of hardware, services and brand power has helped it weather uncertainty.

Looking ahead, investors will monitor any fresh developments from the Middle East, movements in oil futures and upcoming U.S. economic data on inflation and employment. Apple’s next earnings report will be scrutinized for commentary on demand trends, supply chain progress and AI monetization.

Longer term, many strategists view 2026 as potentially transformative for Apple as it rolls out more advanced AI features and completes key manufacturing shifts. Yet the path may include continued swings as external risks evolve.

Founded in 1976, Apple has grown from a garage startup into a global leader in consumer electronics and services. Its stock, while not immune to macroeconomic shocks, reflects ongoing confidence in management’s ability to innovate and adapt amid challenges.

As markets open Friday, attention will remain on oil prices, diplomatic signals regarding Iran and how these factors influence broader risk sentiment. For Apple specifically, execution on diversification, software advancements and sustained iPhone strength will likely shape its trajectory through the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Your Costco run is about to get a lot faster.

The warehouse giant is reportedly overhauling its checkout process, piloting new automated stations that promise to process orders in under 10 seconds. By blending employee productivity with high-speed tech, Costco is betting it can solve the retail industry’s biggest headache without losing the low-cost model that keeps its members loyal.

“In digital, we continue to make strides with our roadmap to deliver a more seamless experience for members in warehouse and online. In the warehouses, we are achieving meaningful improvements in the speed of checkout and employee productivity, both as a result of our mobile wallet enhancements, pharmacy pay ahead and the rollout of employee pre-scan technology,” Costco CFO Gary Millerchip said in the company’s second-quarter earnings call earlier this month.

COSTCO ENTERS FERTILITY CARE WITH MASSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR MEMBERS THROUGH NEW HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIPS

Under new CEO Ron Vachris and Millerchip, the warehouse club is pivoting from its traditional checkout roots to a high-tech pre-scan model and automated pay stations. At first, employees will expedite the pre-scanning process before customers reach the register.

Costco has previously tested self-checkout at select stores, but the system did not appear to stick.

“We are also piloting automated pay stations that will allow members to pay for their pre-scan orders seamlessly with an average transaction time of around eight seconds,” Millerchip added. “Early results show this is improving the flow of traffic, and we have received great member feedback.”

Leadership also discussed embracing AI and e-commerce shifts on the call that rivals have used to dominate the convenience shopping market.

“On our digital sites, we continue to roll out new personalization capabilities which are resonating well with our members and are starting to have measurable impact on e-commerce sales growth. As consumers embrace AI in their shopping habits, we believe our commitments to providing the best value on great quality items can make us a beneficiary of these shifts,” the CFO said.

New data from the NCR Voyix Digital Commerce Index reveals a generational divide in how Americans want to pay at the register. While 43% of all consumers now prefer self-checkout options, 53% of shoppers aged 18 to 44 prefer the DIY method, while those 55 and older stick to manned lanes, citing large cart volumes as the primary reason for avoiding self-checkout.

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While many big-box retailers have passed on inflationary costs to consumers in recent years, Costco has maintained its popularity with middle-class Americans due to its roughly 14% to 15% cap on product margins. Traditional grocers typically have a 25% to 35% product margin, making Costco’s prices highly competitive.

Costco’s net sales surged 9.1% to $68.24 billion in the second quarter, with net income hitting $1.36 billion — a 13.6% increase year over year following a membership price hike.

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Tax season is in full swing as the deadline to file or request an extension is less than three weeks away, and some Americans who have already filed their returns are waiting to receive a refund from the IRS.

Nearly 70 million taxpayers filed their returns as of March 13, and most taxpayers can expect to receive their tax refund within three weeks of filing their return. The IRS has a tool taxpayers can use to track the status of refunds.

The IRS’ “Where’s my refund?” tool allows users to view whether their return has been received, if the tax refund has been approved and sent to the taxpayer via direct deposit.

Taxpayers need their Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, filing status, tax year and the exact amount of their federal refund from the tax return they want to check.

HERE’S WHEN TAXPAYERS WILL GET THEIR REFUNDS

The tool informs taxpayers when their refunds have been sent to their banks via direct deposit. It also says that if their refund hasn’t been credited to their account by a specific date, they should check with their bank to see if it has been received.

Taxpayers who e-filed their return for the current year can typically see their refund status within 24 hours using the refund tracking tool. Those who e-filed a tax return for a prior year can usually see it after three days. The refund status for tax returns that were filed using paper copies is available four weeks after filing.

The timeline for refunds to be received by the taxpayer also depends on how they filed their return. Taxpayers who e-filed their returns typically receive their refund about three weeks from the date they e-filed. Refunds for mailed tax returns are usually received six or more weeks from the date the IRS received the mailed return.

TAX FILING SEASON IS OFFICIALLY HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The IRS also encourages taxpayers to enroll in direct deposit if they want to receive their refund faster because the agency began phasing out paper refund checks last fall. It will still send paper checks if no alternative is available for taxpayers. Options available for taxpayers without bank accounts include prepaid debit cards, digital wallets or other limited exceptions.

The IRS says that while it issues most refunds to taxpayers in fewer than 21 days, some returns may take longer to process as they require additional review or corrections. 

For example, returns that claim the earned income tax credit are held by law until mid-February to prevent fraud, while the complexity of the additional child tax credit requires a deeper review. Common mistakes like forgetting to sign your return or making a math error can also cause delays.

TAX REFUND DELAYS HIT MULTIPLE STATES

If the IRS corrects the return, it may reduce or increase the refund amount that the taxpayer was owed based on their original filing. When this happens, the IRS will mail a notice explaining the adjustment to the taxpayer’s address of record.

Taxpayers who had to amend their tax returns after they were initially filed have a separate tool they can use to check on the status of their returns and any refunds they may be owed. 

They can check the status using the “Where’s my amended return?” tool three weeks after it was filed. Amended returns typically take longer for the IRS to process and may require up to 16 weeks.

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The IRS also offers other ways for taxpayers to check their refund status via the IRS mobile app and automated hotlines for refunds and amended returns.

WSJ ProMarch 26, 2026 10:03 am ET

JOHANNESBURG—The South African Reserve Bank unanimously decided to maintain its main repo rate at 6.75% on Thursday as it braces for the long-term consequences of the war in Iran.

The decision continues a pause in the bank’s cutting cycle that began in September 2024, when the SARB began to reduce rates from a 15-year high of 8.25%.

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New Delhi: India and other Asia-Pacific economies could face rising credit stress if the ongoing Gulf conflict persists, as higher energy prices and supply disruptions ripple through global markets, according to a Moody’s Ratings report released on Friday.

Import-dependent economies, it said, would face tighter availability of fuel, food and industrial inputs. Disruptions to fertilizer supply chains could lower crop yields and push up food prices, increasing affordability risks.

India sourced 43% of its petroleum and petroleum products from GCC countries, Iraq and Iran in 2024, compared with 84% by Japan, 67% by Korea, and 42% by China.
“Producers with significant assets in Japan, Korea, India and China are most exposed because of their heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil and the dominance of naphtha – an oil-derived product – as the primary feedstock for Asia’s steam crackers,” said Moody’s Ratings.

It noted that a prolonged conflict could push Brent crude to about $135 per barrel in the second quarter, keeping prices above $100 for months before easing toward $90 by end-2026. It identified three key transmission channels for global credit risk, that is, energy markets and supply chains, tighter macro-financial conditions, and broader geopolitical disruptions.

Online furniture rental platform Rentomojo has filed for an initial ‌public ⁠offering ⁠in Mumbai, according to a draft prospectus dated Friday.

The company is ⁠selling new ‌shares worth up ⁠to 1.5 billion rupees ($15.85 million), while existing shareholders, including venture capital firm Accel, ‌is selling up to 28.4 million ⁠shares, the filing showed.