March 10, 2026
United States:
US Small-Business Optimism Declines on Weaker Sales Outlook
Sentiment among US small-business owners declined for a second month in February on less optimism about the outlook for sales and the economy.
The National Federation of Independent Business optimism index slipped 0.5 percentage point to 98.8, according to figures released Tuesday. The survey was conducted throughout February and reflected sentiment before the Iran War pushed up energy prices.
Europe:
ECB’s Muller Says Rate-Hike Chances Higher But Urges Calm
European Central Bank Governing Council member Madis Muller said the chances of an interest-rate hike have risen of late, but that officials shouldn’t react hastily to the war in Iran and its implications.
“The probability of the next change in the policy rates now being more towards an increase rather than the opposite,” the Estonian official told an event Tuesday in Vilnius. “That probably has gone up in the last couple of weeks.”
Asia:
Chinese Exports Soared 22% Before Middle East War Broke Out
China’s export growth accelerated far faster than expected in the first two months of the year, putting shipments on a record path before US and Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted global trade.
Exports soared almost 22% from a year earlier, compared with a 7.2% median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.
Disclaimer:
Analyst Certification – The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation(s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.
Company Disclosure – The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.
