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. 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

1 day 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

2 days 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