March 6, 2026

Jarden has increased its oil and LNG price forecasts and upgraded Australian energy stocks in response to recent military actions in the Middle East. These actions have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint, potentially disrupting approximately 20 per cent of global oil and LNG supply. According to Jarden analyst Nik Burns, the […]

The Australian sharemarket is trading lower in afternoon trade as escalating conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about sustained disruption to energy markets and the potential impact on inflation and global growth. The S&P/ASX 200 is down about 1.13 per cent by 3.30pm, extending weekly losses to roughly 4 per cent and putting the

Shares in ASX-listed iron ore miners experienced a significant downturn on Friday following reports that China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG), a state-backed iron ore buyer, has urged traders to refrain from purchasing new BHP cargoes. This directive follows findings that some traders were circumventing restrictions on iron ore purchases. The move has triggered concerns about

A2 Milk (A2M) is poised to benefit from China’s draft 15th Five-Year Plan, according to Citi analysts. The plan includes policies designed to boost fertility rates and support the senior population, potentially increasing demand for A2 Milk’s products. A2 Milk is a dairy company that focuses on producing milk and related products containing only the

The Australian sharemarket experienced a significant downturn on Friday, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East and the potential for sustained disruptions to energy markets. The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell by 113.6 points, or 1.3 per cent, to 8826.7, bringing weekly losses to approximately 4.1 per cent and erasing February’s gains. This marks the

Viva Energy shares have risen 1.5 per cent despite a weak overall performance in the sharemarket. This increase follows a statement from UBS suggesting that the Geelong Oil Refinery owner could benefit from elevated Asian refining margins, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Viva Energy is an Australian company that operates a network

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has stated it is closely monitoring domestic fuel pricing in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is driving up global crude prices. The ACCC has communicated its expectations to major fuel companies, cautioning against anti-competitive or unlawful conduct. ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey stated that

Oil prices are on track for their largest weekly increase since 2022, spurred by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The disruptions are impacting producers, importers, and shippers navigating the turbulent energy landscape. Brent crude has risen 16 per cent this week, although it eased to around $84 a barrel on Friday. West Texas Intermediate

US stock futures suggest a potential rebound on Friday following a significant sell-off driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The geopolitical uncertainty has heightened concerns about potential disruptions to energy markets and a corresponding rise in oil prices, impacting investor sentiment. This comes after heavy selling on Thursday, sparked by the prospect of

Several core macro themes are shaping investment strategies amid a rapidly evolving global landscape. One significant consideration is the potential for artificial intelligence to be inflationary due to substantial spending and bottlenecks, rather than deflationary by significantly displacing labour. Persistently high public spending and low unemployment in countries like Australia are also contributing to inflation