View this email in your browser THE IRISH TIMES Business Today Thursday, 12 March, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader Austrian bank Bawag has ended talks to buy nonbank lender Finance Ireland without a deal, according to sources, as it continues to pursue PTSB. Joe Brennan says it is not clear what led to the breakdown in talks. Shares in Asia fell broadly on Thursday as oil prices roared ‌9 per cent past $100 a barrel on reports of more ships struck in Gulf waters and terminal shutdowns - a jump that could rapidly stoke inflation and push global borrowing costs higher. New housing starts fell by more than three-quarters last year, according to a new report from the Irish banks. BPFI chief economist Ali Uğur said the “steep decline” during 2025 presents “risks to future supply” beyond this year in the absence of a “significant rebound” this year. Eoin Burke-Kennedy reports. Continue Reading Dominic Coyle   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Markets Shares skid, oil blasts past $100 after Iran strikes Gulf shipping Work Employer expectations on pay increases lower for coming year – CIPD survey Economy Future housing supply under threat after new builds fall by more than 75% Business MWC 2026: The next generation of technology revealed Financial Services Bawag talks to buy Finance Ireland end without deal Richard Cantillon Will the ECB hike interest rates much sooner than we had expected? MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business San Leon awarded €16m damages after Canadian asset firm fails to submit defence Business Amgen seeks six-storey car park on Dublin site as it expects to add 1,000 jobs Business Curbs on tax relief for high earners generate €13.6m for exchequer Business US inflation holds steady at 2.4% in February