Power bills in some states could drop by up to 10 per cent
Energy regulator chair Clare Savage said lower default market offers reflected easing electricity costs. Source: Getty / FreshSplash/Getty Images
· Sbsaustralia
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Medical insurance review a timely move for a sector under pressure
Hopefully, the review will open doors to a transparent, digitally accessible and internationally focused insurance market
· SCMP Editorial
Why did the RBA raise rates as households face petrol price double whammy?
Even the RBA's rate-setting board was divided on the timing of a rate hike. (ABC News: Alistair Kroie/John Gunn)
· Stephanie Chalmers
Billionaire financier secretly sells $47M Beverly Hill mansion amid investigation into Epstein ties
Billionaire financier Leon Black, the former Apollo Global Management CEO, has sold his Beverly Hills home for roughly $47 million in an off-market deal, the Wall Street Journal reported.
· Zachary Kussin
How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday 3/18/2026
U.S. stocks slumped after a report said inflation was primed to worsen even before the war with Iran sent oil prices spiking.
· The Associated Press
DHS shutdown has caused at least $2.5 billion in losses so far — but damage expected to be far worse, economists say
WASHINGTON — The month-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown has dealt a $2.5 billion blow to the economy so far, White House economists have forecasted — on top of an over $90 billion loss from last year’s record-breaking stoppage.
· Ryan King
A rare penthouse with one of NYC’s few golden domes has hit the market for $13.5M
You can now call a dome your home.
· Mary K. Jacob
Crisis management in a time of war - DailyNews
The war between the United States of America (US) and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other has made its impact on Sri Lanka as well as the rest of the world, compelling the Government to enforce a series of measures to ensure relative normalcy and sustain the economy of the country.
· Mavan perera
Banking sector assets up by 21.4% in 2025 - DailyNews
The financial sector in Sri Lanka has witnessed strong growth in 2025, with the profitability and lending growth of banks and financial institutions increasing, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) statistics revealed.
· Mavan perera
‘QR code for fuel 95% successful’ - DailyNews
The QR code, which has been implemented in a way that minimises the inconvenience to the people in obtaining solutions to the current fuel problem, has been 95 percent successful, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne stated in Parliament.
· Mavan perera
Trade group sees faster retail sales growth in 2026, but flags Iran war uncertainty
People walk by a store with a “Sale” sign on the window on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
· Anne Dinnocenzio
NDB Bank celebrates Int’l Women’s Day with ‘Araliya’ Medical Camp - DailyNews
NDB Bank marked International Women’s Day 2026 by hosting its ‘Araliya’ Medical Camp for the second consecutive year, reaffirming the Bank’s continued commitment to the well-being and empowerment of its valued women customers.
· Mavan perera
Weight of grain: Jaffna’s silence captured on film - DailyNews
As part of Daily News’ ongoing series into exploring analog photography, I took a roll of Ilford’s Pan 400 film stock on a recent assignment to Jaffna. The film was purchased by and developed at an independent darkroom ‘Sri Lanka on Film’.
· Mavan perera
CB officials attend Capacity-Building Programme at India’s Reserve Bank Staff College - DailyNews
A 25-member delegation from the Central Bank (CB) visited India from March 2 to 6 to participate in a specialised Training and Capacity-Building Programme on ‘Financial Frontiers – Innovation, Resilience and Internationalisation’.
· Mavan perera
WhatsApp support service to resolve QR code issues - DailyNews
Digital Economy Ministry Consultant Sumudu Ratnayake stated that a new WhatsApp support service has been introduced to promptly resolve issues regarding the QR code used for obtaining fuel quotas.
· Mavan perera
Australia news live: Jim Chalmers promises more tax reform in budget as war threatens to send inflation past 5%
Treasurer plans ‘ambitious’ changes to target intergenerational inequity. Follow today’s news live
· Martinfarrer, Patrick Commins
ComBank becomes patron of two working groups of UNGC Network Sri Lanka - DailyNews
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has taken a leadership role in advancing key sustainability priorities of the United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka by becoming a Patron of Network Sri Lanka’s ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ and ‘Water & Ocean Stewardship’ Working Groups.
· Mavan perera
DFCC Aloka partners Chrysalis to strengthen women-led enterprises - DailyNews
DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC Bank), through its women-focused proposition DFCC Aloka, has partnered with Chrysalis to expand financial access, business capacity and market opportunities for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises across Sri Lanka.
· Mavan perera
Veteran Banker Rohana Bandara Weerakoon assume duties as Actg. General Manager/CEO NSB - DailyNews
Rohana Bandara Weerakoon, a veteran banker and administrator, has assumed duties as the Actg. General Manager/CEO of National Savings Bank (NSB) at a simple ceremony, held in accordance with the regulations, pertaining to the current situation, prevailing in the country.
· Mavan perera
HNB named Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank at TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards - DailyNews
HNB PLC has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank for the 16th time at the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2026. The awards ceremony was held on March 12, at Shanghai, China, recognising financial institutions for excellence in retail banking and innovation.
· Mavan perera
War on Iran risks inflation, higher import costs for Bangladesh: CPD - DailyNews
The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran poses serious risks to Bangladesh’s economy, potentially driving up inflation and raising the import bill, said the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
· Mavan perera
Public warned of emerging online financial scams - DailyNews
The Police yesterday warned the public regarding emerging online financial scams using the names of reputable institutions.
· Mavan perera
Parking fee collection suspended within CMC area until further notice - DailyNews
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) yesterday announced the suspension of vehicle parking fee collection within CMC area until further notice. The CMC said the measure was taken considering the significant financial burden currently faced by the public due to ongoing global conflicts and economic tensions.
· Mavan perera
Colombo Bourse recovers on discount-driven buying - DailyNews
Colombo Bourse recorded a modest upward movement, supported by the stabilization in global crude oil prices. Following the previous session’s decline, investors capitalized on attractive valuations, engaging in bargain hunting and driving a measured recovery in market sentiment. The ASPI moved up by 223 points, clos…
· Mavan perera
GIC hotline to address QR queries - DailyNews
The Government Information Centre (GIC) has introduced a special WhatsApp number for vehicle owners who need assistance in registering for the National Fuel Pass. Accordingly, those who are having problems during registration can get the QR code by sending necessary details to the WhatsApp number and following the r…
· Mavan perera
US financial regulator issues long-awaited cryptocurrency guidance
SEC now classifies crypto into five categories, with securities laws only applicable to one: digital securities
· Reuters
Powell says he will stay on as head of the Fed until Warsh is confirmed
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says he will keep serving as head of the central bank if his nominated successor, Kevin Warsh, is not confirmed by the time his term is up in May, as dictated by the law.
· Alex Harring
By Tom Hartley
Tom Hartley is a reporter for 7.30 based in Brisbane specialising in broadcast news and current affairs. Before commencing at the ABC, he worked at the Seven Network in Sydney as a senior reporter, and internationally with Sky News in the United Kingdom. With roots in regional Queensland, Tom’s now been in the field…
Tom Brady leads star-studded new Athlete Council as NIL explodes in college sports
JPMorganChase announced the creation of a new Athlete Council oin Wednesday, which will focus on helping athletes navigate financial decisions early in their careers.
· Noah Nussbaum
ASX set to slump as soaring oil prices hit Wall Street; Fed stays on hold
US stocks are sinking after another climb for oil prices raised worries about inflation, which may have been primed to worsen even before the war with Iran began.
· Stan Choe
Fed holds interest rates steady as Iran war drives up oil prices and inflation fears
Jerome Powell resists Trump pressure as policymakers weigh energy shock against a weakening US jobs market
· Gaya Gupta
Fed votes to hold rates steady, notes 'uncertain' impacts from Iran war
WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve on Wednesday voted to hold its key interest rate steady as policymakers navigate their way through higher-than-expected inflation readings, mixed signs on the labor market – and a war.
· Jeff Cox
Wholesale inflation hits highest level in a year — and Iran war is fueling more rising prices fears
US wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February.
· Associated Press
Russia Sends Oil and Gas Tankers to Crisis-Hit Cuba, Defying U.S. Blockade – FT
Russia has dispatched two tankers carrying oil and gas to Cuba as the island grapples with a deepening energy crisis exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade, the Financial Times reported Wednesday.
· The Moscow Times
Oil risks seen limiting central bank rate cuts
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· Niña Myka Pauline Arceo
Study Estimates Fintech Lending AdaKami Contributes Up to USD 649 Million to Indonesia's GDP
JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fintech lending plays an important role in Indonesia's economy by expanding financing access for households and micro-entrepreneurs. Through digital platforms, it strengthens household resilience, supports microbusiness growth, and stimulates economic circulation ac…
· PRNEWSWIRE
US vastly underestimating the cost of Iran war – The Intercept
The financial cost of the Iran war to American taxpayers is being understated by officials and could balloon into the trillions of dollars over the long term, The Intercept has warned.
· RT
Hong Kong securities watchdog urges stock exchange to tighten listing, compliance rules
The Securities and Futures Commission made several recommendations to improve the stock exchange’s regulations
· Cheryl Arcibal
Expectations for the next Fed rate cut get pushed back after hot inflation report
A hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation reading for February had traders contemplating the possibility that the Federal Reserve won't be lowering interest rates at all this year.
· Jeff Cox
Trump waives U.S. shipping law for 60 days to steady oil market
President Donald Trump issued a 60-day waiver of a longstanding U.S. shipping law in an attempt to stabilize oil markets amid the Iran war, the White House confirmed to CNBC on Wednesday.
· Kevin Breuninger
The Albanese government needs to stop being afraid of the gas industry before the current fuel crisis goes to waste | Greg Jericho
A failure to seize the moment amid soaring energy prices and act in the May budget could make voters turn their anger toward the federal government
· Greg Jericho
Red Sea fix? China-bound oil tankers tap Saudi plan to bypass Strait of Hormuz
But analysts warn the strategy can only partially offset disruptions and that security risks remain high
· Carol Yang
Pylontech Advances Southeast Asia Strategy with 150MWh Energy Storage Agreement in Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pylontech (688063.SH), a global energy storage system provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DAT Group Joint Stock Company, a leading provider of industrial automation and sustainable energy solutions in Vietnam. The agreement outlines …
· PRNEWSWIRE
Egypt's economy suffers as Iran war drives up prices
People and vehicles crowd at a popular market in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
· Samy Magdy
Tougher tobacco laws on the way as illegal vape market booms
Topic:Organised Crime
· Clare Armstrong
Should tobacconists even exist? Minister poses radical question as illegal cigarette sales soar
Labor has floated the radical idea of shutting down tobacconists so that cigarettes are only sold in places like supermarkets as one way of curbing a flourishing tobacco black market, while revealing new laws to take on tobacco kingpins.
· Paul Sakkal, Shane Wright
US producer prices rose by a surprisingly hot 3.4% last month, the most in a year
Vehicles move along the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV assembly line at the General Motors Orion Assembly June 15, 2023, in Lake Orion, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
· Paul Wiseman