Monday, November 9, 2026
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European shares fall on uncertainty over Mideast war

The pan-European STOXX 600 dropped 0.8% to 576.34 points by 0929 GMT, with most sectors in the red, while bourses in Frankfurt and Madrid slipped the most with both falling more than 0.7% each

International News via Reuters:

European shares fell on Friday in a broad selloff as investors remained wary about the outlook of the Middle East war that has stoked inflation risks and clouded global economic growth prospects.

The pan-European STOXX 600 dropped 0.8% to 576.34 points by 0929 GMT, with most sectors in the red, while bourses in Frankfurt and Madrid slipped the most with both falling more than 0.7% each.

Media stocks fell 2%, to lead major sectors lower, dragged down by shares of CTS Eventim which tanked 16% after issuing a disappointing outlook for the year.

The week has been marked with volatility, with the benchmark index briefly dropping 10% on Monday from its February record high, just shy of confirming a correction. It’s now set to log a modest weekly gain as President Trump said he would again extend the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

However, reports also suggested he is looking at sending more ground troops to the Middle East, fuelling uncertainty about the next stage of the conflict heading into the weekend.

“Stocks will not start to find their footing on a meaningful basis until we have negotiations underway that explicitly involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has its foot on the windpipe of the global economy,” said IG’s chief markets analyst, Chris Beauchamp.

The economic repercussions of the war are beginning to reflect in data that showed private sector growth slowed sharply in March.

Worries about a potential surge in inflation have lifted bets for an interest rate hike by the European Central Bank in April to 71%, according to LSEG-compiled data, up from pricing for no rate hikes for most of the year before the war started.

Also pressuring stocks was a jump in bond yields, with that on the German 10-year bond up two basis points at its highest level since 2011. [GVD/EUR]

Among others, Pernod Ricard advanced 3% after the sprit maker said it is in discussions for a possible merger with Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman.

AstraZeneca added 3.4% after the drugmaker said its experimental respiratory treatment Tozorakimab met its main goals in two late-stage trials. This lifted the broader healthcare index 0.2% higher.

Dino tanked 16% after the food retailer flagged its sales rose at a slower rate in 2025 due to lower food inflation and growing uncertainty among consumers.  

Reporting by Avinash P and Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema and Ronojoy Mazumdar

Bank of England lowers cost of on-demand liquidity facility

The BoE is moving to what it calls a demand-driven system of reserves under which commercial banks use collateral such as government bonds to borrow cash from the BoE

International News via Reuters:

The Bank of England said on Friday it was lowering the cost for financial institutions to access its on-demand liquidity support as it shifts away from lenders holding large interest-bearing reserves at the central bank.

The BoE is moving to what it calls a demand-driven system of reserves under which commercial banks use collateral such as government bonds to borrow cash from the BoE and the central bank holds much less government debt than before.

Banks typically obtain sterling liquidity at weekly BoE repo operations for one-week and six-month funds.

Friday’s change affects the Discount Window Facility, which offers funds for up to 30 days on an on-demand basis against similar collateral to the main repo facilities.

“It is intended for Sterling Monetary Framework participants who anticipate or experience a previously unexpected liquidity need, complementing our regular market‑wide operations,” the BoE said in a statement.

The BoE said the Discount Window Facility would charge a spread of 15 basis points over Bank Rate for the highest-quality collateral, 25 bps for the middle grade and 50 bps for the lowest-quality assets, replacing a more complex charging system.

Unlike most other BoE facilities, the Discount Window Facility also allows financial institutions to borrow British government bonds as well as BoE reserves.

The BoE operates separate facilities that only come into effect during periods of market stress, or are designed for more urgent overnight borrowing needs.

Reporting by Sarah Young and David MillikenEditing by William Schomberg

61st annual primary school art exhibition now open

Students showcase ‘One World, Many Stories’ artwork until April 11

The 61st Annual Primary School Art Exhibition is officially open!

Last week, theMinister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, joined students and educators at the Bermuda Society of Arts to mark the launch of this year’s Primary Schools Exhibition

The exhibition features a vibrant collection of artwork from primary school students across the island, incorporating the theme “One World, Many Stories.”

During the opening ceremony, Minister Caesar delivered remarks and presented Visual Art teachers with certificates of appreciation and BSoA membership cards to honour their dedication to fostering youth creativity.

Minister Caesar said, “Art uniquely brings people together.  The arts let our children express themselves, our cultures, and our shared humanity. Throughout this exhibit, you will see unique perspectives and stories stemming from the imaginations of our very talented young artists. This is what we want for our students.  Art is more than just a part of a curriculum; it is vital to a child’s education, fostering self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. “

The exhibition runs until April 11. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the gallery and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award!

Nesbitt family donates late Tyrone Nesbitt’s gombey regalia to ministry

Ministry pledges to preserve and share Nesbitt’s cultural legacy

On Wednesday, March 25, the Nesbitt family, relatives of the late Tyrone “Funk” Nesbitt, gathered to present his Gombey regalia to the Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport. The family proudly bestowed the treasured pieces in honor of Mr. Nesbitt’s legacy and his contributions to Bermuda’s cultural traditions. The moment marked an important step in preserving a piece of Bermuda’s rich cultural heritage.

Mr. Nesbitt was widely recognized for his deep involvement in Gombey culture, where he played a significant role as a performer and mentor, helping to keep the tradition alive through his dedication and passion. His influence extended beyond performance, contributing to the continuation and appreciation of Gombey traditions within the community.

Minister Owen Darrell expressed gratitude for the gesture, stating, “We are truly honored that the Nesbitt family has chosen to bestow Mr. Nesbitt’s Gombey regalia to the Ministry. His legacy is an important part of our cultural story, and we are committed to ensuring it is preserved, celebrated, and shared with the wider community for years to come.”

Search underway for missing teen in Devonshire

Anyone with information on Zyiare Stewart is asked to immediately call the main police number, 295-0011

The Bermuda Police Service, is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old, Bermudian National, Zyiare Stewart.

Mr. Stewart , is described as being 5’ 2” in height, slim built, brown complexioned, with hair worn in close twists.

He was last seen around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026,  in the area of  Aeolia Drive, Devonshire.

When last seen, he was wearing a black windbreaker type jacket, black sweatpants and black and gold sneakers.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 15-year-old, Zyiare Stewart is asked to immediately call the main police number, 295-0011.

Interference with feral chicken culling condemned by government

The Government has asked that concerns are reported to the DENR and to avoid direct involvment with wildlife management

A video of a woman attempting to rescue feral chickens bound for euthanisation made the rounds this week.


The government today responded with a warning to the public that interference is illegal and poses serious risks to all involved.

They note feral chicken removal can be easily reported at: https://www.gov.bm/feralchickens , and the dashboard of progress can also be found on this same webpage. 

More this report.

‘Consider putting non-Bermudians on juries’

OBA’s Robert King says we need some out-of-the box thinking to ensure juries are independent and sufficiently populated

The possibility of non-Bermudians sitting on juries. The Attorney General spoke about it. Now the Opposition is weighing in on the subject.

Currently, potential jurors are randomly selected from the electoral register.

However, due to Bermuda’s small size, the idea of expanding the pool has been raised.

The OBA’s Robert King also told Gary Foster Skelton that using non-Bermudians could help protect the integrity of the process.

WATCH the report above.

WTO chief: world order has irrevocably changed

Okonjo-Iweala set out a list of problems facing the WTO, including the paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement body and transparency in notifying the use of subsidies

International News via Reuters:

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Thursday the multilateral system has fundamentally changed and that countries must look to the future to consider how to reform the global trade system.

“The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back…We must look to the future,” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told delegates at the opening of the 14th WTO ministerial conference in Yaounde, Cameroon.

While 72% of global trade still takes place under WTO rules, with growth in AI-related trade providing a bright spot, Okonjo-Iweala said the world trading system faces significant uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict and impact of U.S. tariffs on countries around the world.

Okonjo-Iweala set out a list of problems facing the WTO, including the paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement body and transparency in notifying the use of subsidies.

Only 64 members had filed subsidy notifications at the WTO for 2025, meaning 102 had not, Okonjo-Iweala said.

“Lack of transparency leads to lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness and anti-competitive behaviours,” she told delegates. This contributed to a “vicious cycle” of mistrust which is holding back members from agreeing new rules and reforms, Okonjo-Iweala added.

Reporting by Olivia Le PoidevinEditing by Madeline Chambers

Pink Ferry will get more resources if needed

Transport Minister Owen Darrell said the Government is determined to maintain the commuter service on the Pink Ferry route

The Pink Ferry route was suspended once again on Monday, and restored on Wednesday morning.

At one point it looked as if the smaller route was gone for good. It was restored in 2023 as a Monday to Friday commuter service, following a public campaign, but it has continued to face sporadic disruptions.

Tourism & Transport Minister Owen Darrell said the Government is determined to keep it going.

WATCH the comments above.

FTSE Russell to align free-float rules for UK, foreign firms

Under the change, companies incorporated inside or outside the UK will need at least 10% free float to qualify for inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series

International News via Reuters:

Index provider FTSE Russell said on Thursday it would align the minimum free-float requirement for UK and non-UK companies in the FTSE UK Index Series from the June 2026 review.

Under the change, companies incorporated inside or outside the UK will need at least 10% free float to qualify for inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series. Non-UK companies currently face a 25% minimum free-float requirement.

FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group business, said the change removes the gap between UK and foreign companies and makes the indices better reflect real market exposure. The rule is also in line with the London Stock Exchange’s minimum free-float requirement.

“While we do not expect any immediate impact on index constituents, this change aims to strengthen how accurately the indices reflect the UK market,” David Sol, global head of policy at FTSE Russell, said in a statement.

In February, FTSE Russell also proposed a “fast-entry” mechanism for IPOs and changes to eligibility criteria for its Russell U.S. Equity Indexes, as market expectations indicated some forthcoming listings may not meet the current thresholds.

Peer Nasdaq also proposed a new rule last month to speed up the inclusion of newly listed large companies in its index, seeking to address delays that have left major IPOs and exchange transfers out of the benchmark for months.

Reporting by Aatrayee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Maju Samuel

G7 to discuss repair works for Chornobyl nuclear plant, France says

Drone damages have prevented Chornobyl’s protective shield from performing its main safety function, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said last year

International News via Reuters:

The foreign ministers of the G7 group of nations will discuss repair works worth about 500 million euros ($576.30 million) for the protective shield of Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear plant, France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday.

“The G7 must play a leading role in this fundraising, in close coordination with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD),” Barrot told reporters on the sidelines of a G7 meeting taking place in France. The EBRD president Odile Renaud-Basso is due to attend the second day of the G7 event on Friday.

Drone damages have prevented Chornobyl’s protective shield from performing its main safety function, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said last year. 

($1 = 0.8676 euros)

Reporting by John Irish and Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta