Money

Dominant oil cartel’s grip on fuel prices may weaken

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2023

A formidable oil cartel currently wields significant control over the prices you fork out at the petrol pump. However, there are indications that its sway in the industry might be on the decline.

For years, this influential consortium of oil-producing nations has manipulated global fuel prices to their advantage. Their decisions have had a direct impact on what consumers pay for gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum-based products. This dominance has not only affected everyday Australians but also shaped international geopolitics.

Recent developments, though, suggest a potential shift in the balance of power. Several factors are contributing to this possible weakening of the cartel’s grip.

Firstly, the global push for renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is reducing reliance on traditional oil consumption. As more countries invest in green alternatives, the demand for oil is diminishing, undermining the cartel’s control over pricing.

Secondly, geopolitical tensions among member nations are straining the unity of the cartel. Disagreements over production quotas and market strategies could lead to fractures within the group.

Furthermore, governments worldwide are exploring ways to increase energy independence, such as domestic oil production and strategic reserves. These efforts aim to mitigate the cartel’s influence on their economies.

While the oil cartel remains a formidable force, the tides of change in the energy landscape may gradually erode its dominance. Consumers could potentially see more stable and competitive fuel prices in the future.

Money

U.S. dollar weakens while Australian dollar rises amid global market shifts

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US dollar weakens as Trump comments; Australian dollar gains from commodity prices and RBA rate hike expectations

The US dollar is coming under pressure as the economy remains strong and President Trump comments on its decline. We explore how this is impacting major currencies around the world and what it means for investors.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is benefiting from rising commodity prices and growing expectations of an RBA rate hike. Global investors are increasingly drawn to Australia’s bond market as economic conditions shift.

Currency trading strategies are adapting to this changing landscape, with potential implications for interest rates and international markets. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX breaks down the trends.

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#USDDollar #AustralianDollar #ForexTrading #RBA #InterestRates #GlobalEconomy #CurrencyMarket #Ticker

Money

Wall Street slides as AI spending raises investor concerns

Wall Street dips as AI spending scrutiny rises; Microsoft struggles while Meta thrives. Tune in for insights!

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street dips as AI spending scrutiny rises; Microsoft struggles while Meta thrives.

Wall Street closed lower on Thursday, with the Nasdaq leading losses as investors questioned whether Big Tech’s massive AI spending will pay off. Microsoft shares tumbled after revealing record AI infrastructure costs, while Meta rallied on strong earnings and a bullish outlook.

Kyle Rodda from Capital.com joins us to explain what spooked markets, which tech names are holding up, and whether AI budgets are getting too big.

We also discuss rate expectations, macro risks, and what to watch in the upcoming earnings season.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

Money

Tesla brand value plummets amid Elon Musk’s political focus

Tesla’s brand value plummeted to $27.61 billion in 2025 amid Musk’s political shift, sparking investor concern.

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tesla’s brand value plummeted to $27.61 billion in 2025 amid Musk’s political shift, sparking investor concern.

Tesla’s brand value plummeted by $15.4 billion in 2025, falling to $27.61 billion from $66.2 billion in early 2023. Analysts say Elon Musk’s political focus and a slowdown in new models have distracted the company’s core business.

In the U.S., Tesla’s recommendation score sank to just 4 out of 10, down from 8.2 in 2023. Despite this, loyalty among existing owners remains high at 92 per cent, showing a strong but shrinking fan base.

#TeslaNews #ElonMusk #BrandValue