News

Oil prices hit five-year low amid oversupply fears

U.S. oil prices hit nearly five-year low amid oversupply and economic slowdown fears, benefiting consumers but alarming producers

Published

4 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Ahron Young

U.S. oil prices hit nearly five-year low amid oversupply and economic slowdown fears, benefiting consumers but alarming producers

In Short:
– U.S. oil prices are at their lowest in nearly five years, with futures at $56.99 per barrel.
– Consumers benefit from falling fuel prices, with gasoline averaging $3.057 per gallon, about 15 cents lower than last year.

A growing surplus of crude oil is driving U.S. oil prices to their lowest levels in nearly five years.

U.S. oil futures closed at $56.99 per barrel, reflecting a 2.2% drop on the day and a 19% decline compared to a year ago. This marks the lowest price since February 2021 and comes amid fears of a global economic slowdown.The decline benefits consumers, likely leading to lower prices for gasoline and other fuel types.

Retail prices for regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.057 per gallon, about 15 cents lower than last year. In several states, prices have fallen below $3 a gallon, with the Energy Information Administration projecting a national average of $2.90 next year.

U.S. oil producers are facing challenges with narrowing profit margins and job losses, despite record production levels surpassing 13.6 million barrels a day. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is adjusting its production levels, anticipating a rise in demand next year while aiming to regain market share from U.S. and other producers.

Future Expectations

Chinese stockpiling has temporarily masked the oversupply, with imports up 3.9% in September.

However, rising tensions in the trade war between the U.S. and China are raising concerns about weakened global oil demand amid slowing economic growth.

News

SoftBank sells Nvidia stake to fund massive AI push

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

Published

4 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

SoftBank has sold its entire $5.8 billion Nvidia stake to double down on artificial intelligence, investing heavily in OpenAI and the colossal $500 billion Stargate data-centre project.

Analysts say it’s Masayoshi Son’s boldest tech gamble yet.

#SoftBank #Nvidia #OpenAI #AI #MasayoshiSon #Stargate #TechNews #Investing #DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence

News

Senate passes deal to end historic shutdown

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

Published

4 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

The U.S. Senate has approved a spending bill 60–40 to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, with House support and presidential backing expected.

The package funds key departments through January while adding new privacy safeguards for lawmakers.

#USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #SenateVote #Congress #Trump #MikeJohnson #Washington #USNews #FederalFunding #CapitolHill

News

Sussan Ley’s leadership tested amid net-zero debate

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

Published

7 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

In Short:
– Sussan Ley’s leadership is questioned as the Liberal party debates net-zero emissions amidst internal divisions.
– Moderate MPs warn losing elections if net-zero is abandoned, highlighting urban voter support for a 2050 target.

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces scrutiny as the Liberal party debates a net-zero emissions target.

Conservative members argue she should abandon the goal to maintain her position, while moderates hope for a compromise that aligns with the Paris Agreement.

Leadership contenders like Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie support staying committed to the Paris Agreement, rejecting a net-zero commitment. Taylor indicated future leadership aspirations are not confirmed.

Pro-net-zero frontbencher Tim Wilson seeks decisive leadership to address the issue. Ley’s lack of internal guidance frustrates moderates, creating uncertainty regarding her stance on net-zero. While some conservatives advocate for its dismissal, others display mixed support.

Liberal party dynamics shift as polling reveals significant opposition to net-zero among constituents. The upcoming party room meeting and shadow ministers gathering will aim to finalise the Coalition’s position.

Internal Divisions

Moderate MPs warn that elections will be lost if net-zero is abandoned, emphasising its importance in urban areas.

A poll indicates strong support for a 2050 net-zero target among voters. Critics of the Nationals’ policy argue it is misguided and incompatible with national interests.

Calls for resignation from frontbench positions are met with opposition. Some representatives voiced frustration over the timing of the meeting, suggesting it should have been resolved earlier.