Daily Digest — 3 Apr 2026

Markets held relatively steady despite escalating tensions between the US and Iran dominating global headlines. Oil climbed modestly to $112 as President Trump warned that attacks on Iranian infrastructure “haven’t even started” following a US strike on Iran’s largest bridge in Karaj. The conflict is already disrupting energy supplies across the region, with Pakistan facing a looming gas shortage as LNG imports collapse amid the regional turmoil.

Trump’s unexpected dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi sent ripples through Washington, with reports suggesting dissatisfaction over her handling of Justice Department files and failure to prosecute political opponents. The move adds to uncertainty as markets brace for Friday’s US jobs report. Meanwhile, crypto markets showed muted activity ahead of the Good Friday holiday, with Bitcoin barely budging at $66,471 as key demand sources from ETFs and futures markets go offline.

In the UK, Labour faces mounting criticism over energy policy as MPs call for an emergency summit similar to the 2008 crisis response to shield citizens from Iran war effects. British drug exports to the US secured tariff exemptions under a new partnership deal, though critics warn it could cost the NHS billions. Copper surged 1.8% on supply concerns, while safe-haven assets gold and silver posted modest gains as geopolitical tensions simmer across multiple fronts.