US inflation rose to a two-year high in March, driven by higher fuel and sticky services costs. Traders cut expectations of early Fed rate cuts, pushing up US Treasury yields and the dollar. The figures point to tighter policy for longer and continued pressure on household budgets.

Market turmoil linked to Iran drove a rare simultaneous slide in global equities and bonds in March. Yields jumped as investors sought liquidity, while traditional hedges faltered, leaving diversified portfolios under pressure. Analysts warn volatility may persist and havens remain scarce until tensions ease.

Netflix has agreed an $83bn takeover of Warner Bros, combining major film and TV assets to form a global entertainment giant. The deal will proceed alongside a spin-off of cable operations. Regulators will review the merger; both sides expect cost savings and stronger streaming scale.

Owners of high-value homes are trimming asking prices to slip just below new thresholds dubbed a “mansion tax” from the Budget. Agents say the practice is widespread and will cut stamp duty receipts, challenging Treasury forecasts, though some analysts expect the overall impact to be modest.