Prysmian partners with Ferrari Hypersail as Hormuz tensions rattle markets - Mar 16, 2026

As of March 16, today’s news sees Prysmian's partnership announcement, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly related to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Prysmian has joined forces with Ferrari Hypersail to tackle a new frontier in ocean racing, the company said in a statement. The partnership includes supplying solutions and sharing innovation development, as the most ambitious project in ocean racing gets underway. Prysmian is supplying Ferrari Hypersail with dedicated electrical cables that will be implemented on the offshore flying monohull. Turning to market updates, China's aluminium output in early 2026 saw a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, bolstered by improved profit margins for the metal, crucial in various sectors including automotive and construction. Aluminium smelters reported an average profit of approximately 7,879 yuan per ton, driven by a rise in selling prices coupled with descending input costs, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In global scenarios, European tech firms and publishers are pressuring EU regulators to expedite a nearly two-year antitrust investigation into Google, focusing on allegations of the company favoring its own services in search results. This collective push highlights ongoing tensions in the EU concerning the regulation of Big Tech and the balance between fostering innovation and controlling market dominance. On the international front, Israel has announced plans for an extended military campaign against Iran, continuing airstrikes that have significant implications for regional stability and global oil prices. The heightened hostilities have disrupted oil shipping routes, particularly in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about inflation and economic growth. The U.S.-Israeli conflict has triggered calls from President Trump for international cooperation to ensure safe navigation through this vital passage as tensions with Iran escalate. Evening updates reflect a potential postponement of the anticipated meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping due to the focus on the situation in Iran, which could further strain U.S.-China relations amidst complex geopolitical challenges. Meanwhile, industrial metals prices, particularly copper, have been impacted negatively as fears of inflation mount in correlation with rising oil prices, underscoring concerns about economic health.