Money

What’s the real reason for rising energy costs?

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2023

ticker NEWS

Rising energy prices are putting further strain on households during a cost of living crisis. But does it need to be this way?

As if rising inflation and interest rates weren’t bad enough?

Well, throw rising energy costs into the mix as well, as many households were stung by higher bills this month.

So why is this happening, and what’s the impact on everyday households and the rest of the economy?

How can I conserve energy?

Here are some steps to help you save power.

Adjust Temperature Settings:

Set your thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius for storage hot water systems.
For continuous flow hot water systems, maintain the temperature below 50 degrees Celsius.
Maintain air conditioner settings between 23°C and 26°C for cooling.
For heating, keep the temperature between 18°C and 21°C.

Optimise Washing Machine Usage:

Use cold water cycles for washing.
If using hot water, ensure it’s below 60°C; hot cycles use significantly more energy.

Seal Drafts and Gaps:

Block gaps using door snakes and apply weather seals to doors, windows, skirting boards, skylights, and cornices.
Close doors to rooms not requiring cooling or heating.

Eliminate Energy Vampires:

Turn off appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, and TVs at the wall to prevent standby power consumption.

Replace Inefficient Items:

Install a water-efficient shower-head to reduce water heating costs and overall water usage.
Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, consuming 80% less energy than older types.

Mindful Lighting Usage:

Turn off lights when rooms are unoccupied to save energy.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively conserve energy and reduce both your electricity bills and environmental impact.

Money

U.S. and China approve TikTok sale to American investors

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

The United States and China have officially approved a deal for TikTok’s US operations to be sold to American investors, led by Oracle and Silver Lake.

This marks a major shift in the social media landscape as the platform navigates increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Under the new agreement, ByteDance will retain just under 20% of TikTok US, while Oracle and Silver Lake will each take 15% stakes. Other investors will also participate, forming a structure designed to satisfy both commercial and regulatory demands.

The new US-based entity will have a majority American board tasked with overseeing data protection and content moderation. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain about ByteDance’s influence and whether the deal fully complies with recent legislation.

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#TikTokSale #USChinaDeal #Oracle #SilverLake #ByteDance #TechNews #SocialMedia #DataProtection

Money

Markets tumble as Trump tariffs, Greenland rhetoric and Europe backlash collide

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

Published

3 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

U.S. equities took a sharp hit as markets reacted to renewed tariff threats and heightened political rhetoric from President Donald Trump. The Dow plunged more than 800 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also sliding as investor nerves rattled risk assets.

The sell-off highlights growing concern around global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, with markets struggling to price in what comes next for U.S. economic leadership and policy direction.

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#USMarkets #WallStreet #TrumpTariffs #GlobalMarkets #USDebt #Europe #Davos #Ticker

Money

Gold hits record highs as investors flee risk

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Gold is shining brighter than ever as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty. U.S. gold futures for February delivery jumped 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, while spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,668.14.

The surge comes as geopolitical tensions continue to worry traders, prompting a rush into metals perceived as stable and secure. Analysts say gold is proving its status as the ultimate hedge during turbulent times.

Investors are closely watching markets as gold sets new benchmarks, signalling growing caution across the financial landscape.

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#GoldRally #SafeHaven #InvestingTips #FinancialMarkets #GoldPrices #GlobalEconomy #MarketUpdate #TickerNews