Enverus Intelligence Research's quarterly M&A report indicates that upstream merger and acquisition activity in the Permian Basin opened 2025 with its second-best start since 2018, driven mainly by Diamondback Energy's acquisitions. However, the report warns that falling oil and equity values, coupled with high asset prices and limited acquisition opportunities, are expected to significantly reduce M&A activity in the coming months.

Aker BP reported its Q1 equity production averages at 441.4 Mboepd. This production level is a key indicator of the company's performance in the upstream oil and gas sector, demonstrating its operational efficiency and contribution to the global energy market.

On April 4, 2025, upstream oil companies such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Reliance Industries (RIL), and Oil India experienced significant stock price declines. The shares of ONGC, RIL, and Oil India dropped by 7.2%, 4.3%, and 6.4%, respectively, following a sharp decline in crude oil prices below $70 per barrel. The broader BSE Sensex also declined by 1.02% to 75,520.89. The fall in oil prices was attributed to US President Donald Trump's imposition of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at promoting manufacturing in the US.

Retailers are facing significant losses due to retail theft, shrink, and organized retail crime. These issues are leading to lower profits, store closures, and safety concerns. Retailers are citing these factors as reasons for lower profits or hits to gross margins. The National Retail Federation reported that retail theft cost retailers $94.5 billion in 2021, up from $90.8 billion in 2020. The article highlights the impact of retail theft on retailers such as Target, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, Kohl's, and Foot Locker.

California-based Stratolaunch, the venture created by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, released a separation test vehicle for the first time this weekend during an experimental flight of the worlds largest airplane. The event marked a significant milestone in Stratlaunchs quest to create an air-launch system for rocket-powered hypersonic vehicles.