Money
Australian watchdog investigating shipping cost price-hike
Australia’s consumer watchdog has opened up an investigation into the dramatic rise in global shipping and container costs following the pandemic
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission confirmed it has opened the inquiry, particularly focusing on the sharp rise on the price and movement of shipping containers.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims says he is aware of what is going on within the shipping industry and “is investigating it.”
“There is a limited amount I can say on it, but we are looking at the freight system – particularly the role that containers play, I can certainly say that, and that is certainly on the list of investigations”
The costs of shipping containers have risen more than 300 per cent in the last year, with steeper prices crunching retailer profit margins.
The shortage of containers
The insufficient supply of container ships has been blamed on supply chain disruptions caused by COVID and recent virus outbreaks at key ports in China.
But many Australian business executives say that they believe the container shortage is “partially artificial” and that the industry is just playing on the excuse as a reason to squeeze higher prices.
The massive steel containers piled onto ships are vital for the international movement of goods.
The skyrocketing cost of shipping containers that bring everything from sneakers and sofas to washing machines to Australia has ratcheted up costs for importers – especially the retail sector, which has shaved its profit margins.
Reserve Bank of Australia responds
The economic impact has also reached the attention of the Reserve Bank.
In its May statement on monetary policy, the RBA reported on a five-fold increase in shipping container prices since 2019.
The RBA stated that the lack of shipping containers had resulted in sharp increases in global shipping prices and also contributed delivery delays.
Money
Commodities surge as oil volatility and metals hit record highs
Oil prices fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions; precious metals soar amid inflation concerns, sparking a commodities rally.
Oil prices fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions; precious metals soar amid inflation concerns, sparking a commodities rally.
Global commodities are on the move, with oil prices swinging sharply as geopolitical tensions involving Iran fuel uncertainty across energy markets. Traders are closely watching supply risks and political flashpoints, driving short-term volatility.
Precious metals are stealing the spotlight, pushing to record highs as investors seek safety amid inflation concerns, interest-rate uncertainty and rising global risk. At the same time, industrial metals are surging, supported by demand expectations and tightening supply.
To unpack what this means for markets and investors, we’re joined by Kyle Rodda from Capital.com to break down the key drivers behind this powerful commodities rally.
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#Commodities #OilPrices #Gold #Metals #MarketVolatility #Geopolitics #Investing #TickerNews
Money
Stocks slide and Trump cancels talks: What’s next for markets and Greenland?
U.S. stocks dip; S&P 500 down 0.9%, as investors react to weak bank earnings and market volatility.
U.S. stocks dip; S&P 500 down 0.9%, as investors react to weak bank earnings and market volatility.
U.S. stocks fell for a second day on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.9% and the Dow Jones losing 164 points. Investors are reassessing record-high levels as major banks report weaker-than-expected earnings.
Wells Fargo shares tumbled more than 5% after disappointing revenue results, while Bank of America is down roughly 7% week to date. Citigroup and Wells Fargo have both seen declines of about 8%, highlighting volatility in the banking sector.
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#StockMarket #SP500 #DowJones #BankEarnings #TrumpNews #Iran #Greenland #Geopolitics
Money
U.S. budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion
US budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion amid tariffs; implications of corporate taxes and Supreme Court rulings discussed.
US budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion amid tariffs; implications of corporate taxes and Supreme Court rulings discussed.
The US budget deficit has dropped to $1.67 trillion in 2025, the lowest in three years, driven by record customs revenue from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. While this marks a positive shift for the economy, challenges loom with potential Supreme Court rulings on tariffs and falling corporate tax receipts.
David Scutt from StoneX explains the key factors behind the decline in the deficit and what December’s figures reveal about the overall fiscal health of the US.
We also explore the potential implications of upcoming Supreme Court decisions and how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could impact future deficits. Stay informed on what these changes mean for the economy and markets.
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#USBudget #DeficitUpdate #TrumpTariffs #FiscalPolicy #Economy2025 #SupremeCourtImpact #CorporateTaxes #FinancialNews
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