Money

Australia is choosing protectionism over global economics

Published

2 years ago

April 11, 2024

In a paradigm shift in global economic strategy, nations are increasingly prioritising protectionist measures to safeguard their industrial base and economic sovereignty.

Australian Prime Minister Alex Ellinghausen has explained this trend, asserting that protectionism is not a retreat from global markets but rather a response to the evolving landscape of economic competition.

Addressing the Queensland Press Club in a pre-budget speech, Ellinghausen highlighted the proactive measures being taken by Australia and like-minded nations, including the United States, Canada, Korea, Japan, and the European Union.

These countries are implementing schemes akin to Industrial Regional Advantage (IRA) strategies to bolster their manufacturing capabilities and economic resilience.

Central to this approach is the recognition that market forces alone cannot ensure national prosperity and security.

Governments are increasingly intervening in their economies to promote domestic manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Global stage

This marks a departure from traditional laissez-faire policies and underscores the growing importance of economic protectionism on the global stage.

As part of Australia’s strategic agenda, Ellinghausen announced plans to introduce the “Future Made in Australia Act,” consolidating existing and new policies aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing.

Under this Act, initiatives such as the National Reconstruction Fund, skills agenda, clean energy manufacturing incentives, and support for solar panel production will be streamlined to drive economic growth and resilience.

The move towards protectionism is not without its challenges and criticisms.

Critics argue that domestic manufacturing may struggle to compete with cheaper imports, particularly from countries like China.

However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of self-reliance and economic sovereignty outweigh short-term cost considerations.

Internationally, the United States has also voiced concerns about unfair trade practices, particularly in industries like solar panel manufacturing.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently confronted China over its industrial overcapacity and called for measures to protect global markets from distortions caused by cheap imports.

Money

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

13 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

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#USJobsReport #FederalReserve #StockMarket #MacroRisks #JapanEconomy #GlobalMarkets #CurrencyTrading #EconomicUpdate

Money

Alphabet launches $20B bond to fund AI expansion

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Alphabet has launched a record $20 billion bond offering to finance its massive AI infrastructure build-out, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy. The oversubscribed sale shows that investors are betting on Alphabet’s AI potential and long-term returns.

By using debt instead of equity, Alphabet can raise funds without diluting shareholders. The money will support AI research, advanced computing, and other strategic projects, cementing the company’s leadership in the sector.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies explains how corporate debt is reshaping tech financing and how investors perceive AI-linked bonds. This record issuance could set a trend for other tech companies looking to fund innovation.

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Money

AI tax tool sparks market turmoil for financial firms

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Published

2 days ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Shares of major financial services firms tumbled after the launch of a new AI-powered tax planning tool. LPL Financial dropped nearly 11%, while Charles Schwab and Raymond James Financial fell more than 9%, signalling investor concern over AI disrupting traditional advisory services.

Morgan Stanley also saw a 4% decline as fears grow that AI could replace some of the most profitable offerings of established firms. Earlier this year, the introduction of other AI models already caused turbulence in software stocks, suggesting this could be a broader trend affecting multiple sectors.

The iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers and Securities ETF was down 4% on Tuesday, reflecting the market-wide uncertainty surrounding AI adoption in finance. Investors are closely watching whether AI will complement or cannibalise the industry’s core services.

#AIImpact #WallStreet #FinancialMarkets #InvestingNews #MorganStanley #CharlesSchwab #RaymondJames #FinTech