The most important events and reports on the economy, central banks and politics from the Dow Jones Newswires program
Iran demands withdrawal of US demands in order to start talks – sources
Iran is demanding that the US withdraw its demands outlined in a 15-point plan before Tehran agrees to talks on a possible ceasefire. This is reported by people familiar with the matter. Iran is open to talks but considers the U.S. proposal excessive because it calls for dismantling most of its nuclear program, ending support for regional allies and limiting its missile program, the people said.
Initial claims for US unemployment benefits increased
The number of initial claims for U.S. unemployment insurance benefits increased in the week ending March 21st. Compared to the previous week, the number of applications rose by 5,000 to 210,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis, as the US Department of Labor in Washington announced. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires had accurately predicted such an increase.
Britain could be hardest hit by Iran war
The UK remains highly vulnerable to global energy shocks, says MHA’s Joe Nellis. The OECD has warned that the country could be the hardest hit economy in the G-20 as a result of rising energy prices following the outbreak of war in Iran. The most pressing risk will be to growth as consumers and businesses cut spending while inflation will also rise. “This puts the Bank of England in a difficult position – supporting growth and risking rising inflation, or keeping interest rates higher for longer and deepening the downturn,” says Nellis. This also threatens the UK’s fiscal stability, with already high debt and bond yields leaving little room for flexibility, he says.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 26, 2026 2:00 p.m. ET (18:00 GMT)
