Money

Australian watchdog investigating shipping cost price-hike

Published

4 years ago

September 13, 2021

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.

Shipping containers costs 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

Markets ignore Israeli-Iranian conflict but risks remain high

Markets remain optimistic despite the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, raising concerns of potential complacency among investors.

Published

17 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Markets remain optimistic despite the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, raising concerns of potential complacency among investors.

In Short:
Market analysts warn that global investors are underestimating the conflict between Israel and Iran, despite resilient stock market gains. Analysts highlight the potential for prolonged conflict and significant impacts on energy markets, cautioning against complacency.

Global investors are currently underestimating the potential impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to market analysts.

Despite four days of escalating fighting, which has resulted in significant casualties, global stock markets have shown resilience. Stocks in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the U.S. have all seen gains, indicating a disconnect between market performance and geopolitical developments.

Investment director Russ Mould highlighted the risk of a broader conflict affecting energy markets. He noted that the situation is complex and the ramifications could extend beyond financial concerns.

Heightened risks

Strategist David Roche suggested the conflict may last longer than typical Israeli responses, posing heightened risks. Torbjorn Soltvedt from Verisk Maplecroft expressed that the current situation resembles an open-ended war, with severe implications for the region and global energy markets.

Energy prices have already reacted to the unrest, with crude oil experiencing significant price fluctuations. Analysts caution that a period of calm might lead markets to mistakenly believe in lasting peace, potentially creating buying opportunities in energy assets.

Conversely, some analysts, like Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid, maintain a more cautious outlook, noting that retaliatory actions between Iran and Israel have yet to escalate dramatically. He indicated that historical patterns suggest a typical market recovery from such shocks.

Money

Australia’s stalled economy forces businesses to innovate or die

Australia’s economy is slowing with 0.2% GDP growth; experts suggest interest rate cuts, prompting businesses to adapt for growth.

Published

7 days ago

June 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Australia’s economy is slowing with 0.2% GDP growth; experts suggest interest rate cuts, prompting businesses to adapt for growth.

Australia’s economy is slowing fast, with GDP growth at just 0.2% and output per person in decline. Experts are now predicting steep interest rate cuts to avoid recession.

What can businesses do to adapt and grow in this climate? Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

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Money

World Bank predicts U.S. growth cut by tariffs

World Bank forecasts U.S. growth halving due to tariffs; global economy also faces significant slowdown, especially in exports.

Published

7 days ago

June 11, 2025

Ahron Young

World Bank forecasts U.S. growth halving due to tariffs; global economy also faces significant slowdown, especially in exports.

In Short:
The World Bank has downgraded U.S. growth projections to 1.4% for 2025 due to President Trump’s tariff policies, warning that increased tariffs could worsen the global economic slowdown. The report highlights a decline in growth for multiple economies, with a particular emphasis on the negative impact on living standards and the need for negotiated trade barriers.

The World Bank has downgraded its growth projections for the U.S. economy, forecasting an increase of just 1.4% in 2025, down from the previous year’s 2.8%. This reduction is attributed to President Trump’s tariff policies, which are anticipated to hamper both U.S. and global growth.

The World Bank’s latest report highlights an expected slowdown in multiple economies, including the eurozone, Japan, and India. Mexico is projected to experience the most significant impact, with growth dropping to 0.2% from 1.5%.

Exacerbate the slowdown

Amid these forecasts, the World Bank warned that a further rise in tariffs could exacerbate the slowdown. If tariffs were raised by an additional 10 percentage points, global growth could plummet to 1.8% this year and 2% in 2026. Such an escalation would lead to reduced trade, declining confidence, and increased market turmoil.

Indermit Gill, the World Bank’s chief economist, noted that if a course correction is not made, the negative effects on living standards could be severe. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has also voiced concerns about the implications of tariffs, predicting a U.S. growth rate of 1.6% with inflation approaching 4%.