The price of Brent crude oil is on track for its biggest monthly gain recorded in March after the Iran conflict sent markets into turmoil. Brent crude, the international benchmark, has risen 51% since the start of March, LSEG data show, hitting a monthly record of 46% in September 1990 after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, … Read more
Since President Donald Trump declared “Independence Day” last April, investors have been concerned about his tariff plans – they believe that higher tariffs will fuel inflation, disrupt supply chains, and lower corporate profits. These concerns are understandable. Tariffs raise the cost of importing raw materials, which invites retaliation from trading partners — a risk to … Read more
This year, the most important commodity in agriculture is not sunshine or rain, it is fertilizer. According to some estimates, nearly half of the world’s crop and livestock production depends on the incredible mix of minerals and chemicals that make up artificial fertilizers. But the Iran the war raises prices and suppresses the availability of … Read more
It’s not easy being a global economy right now. One month into the US and Israel’s war against Iran, fears are raising concerns about everything from supply chains to airline travel. While the price of a barrel of oil remains north of $100, from $70 before the war, the price of gas in the US … Read more
In 2013, Shell closed its Clyde refinery on the Paramatta River, and a year later, Caltex closed Kurnell in Botany Bay. That was the time when Australia went from being self-sufficient in petrol and diesel to relying on imports. The oil shocks of the 1970s were forgotten. We endured a decade of recession like everybody … Read more