First petrol stations close – fuel crisis intensifies
Fuel is becoming scarce across Europe. Some petrol stations have already run dry, others are rationing, as the conflict in the Mid…
Three horsemen of a downturn: war, oil shock and debt
The Iranian conflict is not unfolding as expected. The operation is taking longer than Donald Trump – and the financial markets – …
Markets shrug off Iran war, but bonds flash warning
While equities remain calm, the bond market is already signalling rising concerns over US debt.
The psychology of war and market manipulation
Donald Trump appears to be using his rhetoric to influence public expectations in an effort to prevent rising oil prices, higher a…
Oil sets the tone, gold falls, bitcoin holds steady – something is out of place in the market
The war is escalating, central banks are holding back and equity markets are pricing in peace. Yet gold is falling against expecta…
Europe responds to soaring energy costs
Governments across Europe are taking action on high energy costs, though their approaches differ widely, with some opting for swif…
Central banks face inflation dilemma as oil shock deepens
The protracted conflict continues to push up commodity prices. The Fed has adopted a wait-and-see attitude, Australia is already t…
German chemical industry stuck in prolonged crisis
The German chemical industry, long a pillar of the country’s economy, remains under mounting pressure. New figures from the German…
From oil to bread: Iran conflict sends early shock through food prices
The war in Iran came at the worst time for farmers. While demand for fertiliser is high ahead of spring, supply has thinned with t…
China’s quiet strategy in Hormuz
While the West argues over Hormuz and military missions, China’s oil imports from Iran continue. Pipelines, the port of Jask and a…
Oil at $130 would signal a looming systemic crisis
There is no doubt that the most closely watched chart on the financial market right now is the oil price chart. The markets are wo…
Index of Economic Freedom: the new map of free markets
The latest Index of Economic Freedom highlights striking differences in economic freedom across the world. While countries such as…
Gallup: 77 per cent of German employees work in ‘energy-saving mode’
Only 10 per cent of German employees feel genuinely connected to their employer. In successful economies the figure is significant…
Will China be the first country to collapse because of the Iran war?
With a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Asian economies would be hit hardest. In absolute terms, China would face the largest dis…
Brussels pushes for Druzhba pipeline inspection in Ukraine
Oil flows halted and accusations rising between Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia.