Business news today is being shaped by the economic aftershocks of war. The European Central Bank raised rates to 2.25%, its first hike since 2023, arguing that energy-driven inflation linked to the Iran conflict can no longer be ignored even as it trims its growth outlook. The World Bank struck a similar note, cutting its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5% and warning that further energy disruption could drag the world economy even lower. Companies are already feeling the strain: Wizz Air says the conflict knocked about €50 million off annual earnings and left conditions too volatile to offer guidance. Against that darker backdrop, there were narrower pockets of optimism: Forrestania Resources upgraded the grade of its Lady Lyla gold deposit in Western Australia, while in Washington, Melania Trump launched new “Fostering the Future” savings accounts aimed at helping foster youth build financial security.