Wholesale gas prices in the UK and Europe have surged by approximately 25% following retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure in the Middle East, specifically targeting Qatar's main gas facility.

• Gas prices jumped by about 25% on wholesale markets.
• Iran's military retaliated by targeting a major liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar.
• This disruption impacts approximately a fifth of the global supply of liquid natural gas, with experts warning of months-long effects.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya has announced a significant increase in its dividend payout, raising it by 67 percent to Sh2.50 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025, following a robust growth in profitability.

• The bank's net profit after tax surged to Sh39.9 billion.
• Key shareholders will benefit from the proposed dividend, a substantial rise from the Sh1.50 paid in 2024.
• The overall operating income for the Group climbed to Sh92 billion, driven by a strong increase in net interest income.

The US Federal Reserve has decided to hold its key interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75%, citing economic uncertainty fueled by rising oil prices due to the US-Iran conflict.

• The Federal Reserve, led by Chair Jerome Powell, left interest rates unchanged for the second consecutive meeting.
• Inflation forecasts have been revised upwards to 2.7% by year-end, partly due to the "oil shock" and trade tariffs.
• Jerome Powell stated it is "too soon" to fully assess the impact of the Iran war on the US economy and future rate decisions.