Ukraine-induced surge in raw material costs forces Tesla to increase prices for second time in less than a week March 15, 2022 A war-induced surge in raw material costs has continued to hit the global automotive sector, causing giants such as Tesla to increase prices. The Austin-based car maker was forced today to increase its Chinese and US prices for the second time in a few days, following a surge in the cost of aluminium, palladium and [...]
Retail and construction insolvencies soar against backdrop of supply chain pressures and war in Ukraine March 15, 2022 Soaring material costs have led to a steep rise in insolvencies in the retail and construction industries of almost 50 per cent. The war in Ukraine and its impact on rising fuel prices, brought concerns over supply chains pressures into sharp focus this week, new research from tax and audit specialists Mazars has shown. During [...]
Russia’s war to deal 10 per cent hit to Ukraine economy, warns IMF March 15, 2022 The Ukrainian economy is set to contract sharply this year as Russia’s invasion hobbles domestic consumption, reveals fresh forecasts by the world’s economic watchdog. Output in Ukraine will shrink around 10 per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The hit to the country’s economy could eventually rise to some 35 per [...]
ETFs for an uncertain world March 15, 2022 In the past decade, we’ve witnessed a global pandemic and we’ll likely see the fallout from climate change gather pace. Even economics is becoming more unpredictable, with most policy makers and economists being blindsided by the return of inflation to levels not seen in over 30 years. In such a world, investors may want to [...]
Roaring jobs market steps up case for another Bank of England rate hike March 15, 2022 A roaring jobs market in the UK is stepping up the case for another rate hike by the Bank of England on Thursday. Strong demand for workers rubbing up against weak labour supply is intensifying inflationary pressures in the jobs market, demonstrating the UK economy is ready for more rate hikes, according to economists. The [...]
Tactical asset allocation: the flexibility advantage March 15, 2022 Strategic asset allocation (SAA) determines long-run exposure to systematic risk factors. That said, current changes in monetary policy in many developed and emerging countries as well as the stage of the business cycle warrant tactical considerations. The tactical overlay strategy should generate added value by temporarily deviating from the weights assigned in the SAA process. [...]
What impact is inflation having on the Nasdaq? March 15, 2022 Rising US CPI inflation has caused the Nasdaq to fall but can we expect a correction with with interest rates expecting to rise? 2022 has not been kind to the NASDAQ Composite. After climbing from a covid-19 pandemic low of 6,880 points on 20 March 2020 to an intraday record of 16,212 points on 22 November 2021, it [...]
New Zealand halves public transport fares amid soaring inflation, fuel prices March 15, 2022 New Zealand has halved prices for public transport in response to soaring fuel costs sparked by the war in Ukraine. Its Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the call saying the “global energy crisis has quickly become acute”. However, her government has been criticised for the rising cost of living even before the war started, with [...]
Plumbing giant Ferguson posts rising sales after ‘navigating supply chain pressures’ March 15, 2022 Plumbing and heating products distributor Ferguson has posted soaring sales with price inflation driven by finished goods. Adjusted net sales rose 31.8 per cent, results for the three months ended 31 January 2022 revealed on Tuesday. Adjusted EBITDA also shot up 65.7 per cent in the period, with the firm anticipating “solid revenue growth” in [...]
Virgin Wines battles shifting consumer habits as share earnings slip March 15, 2022 Virgin Wines earnings per share and pre-tax profit have stunted in the past six months, as the online wine retailer battles shifting consumer habits. With spiralling inflation and soaring energy prices, UK consumers are increasingly holding back splurging on non-necessities such as wine. The company, a subsidiary of the Virgin Group, earned an average of [...]