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☆ Air freight rates could spike as Red Sea attacks disrupt shipments via sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

DHL Cargo planes are unloaded at Halle-Leipzig Airport on February 28, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany. Up to 60 cargo planes land every weeknight. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are not only driving up sea freight — air freights are going to get higher too, as global trade flows get increasingly disrupted. This means that air cargo is about to play an expanded role in the supply chain ecosystem. Air freight can slash delivery times to just a few days compared to weeks taken by ocean carriers.

Persons: Matthew Burgess, Robinson Organizations: DHL Cargo, Airport Locations: Halle, Leipzig, Germany, South Africa, C.H

☆ Global shipping recession could end as freight rates soar on Red Sea troubles
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Stringer | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesVessels transiting the Red Sea have faced attacks over the past several weeks from Yemen-based Houthis, prompting shipping companies to change routes, leading to a spike in freight rates. Alan Baer CEO of OL USAVessel-Operating Common Carriers (VOCC) are ocean carriers that own and operate vessels responsible for managing cargo and transporting them. Luis Boza/ | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesWhile the recent spikes in freight rates might not help shippers relive their glory days following the pandemic, they would substantially boost profitability. Brashier noted that both contracted rates for ocean carriers and spot market rates may rise further. Overall, container freight will still [find it] difficult to manage oversupply issue.

Persons: Stringer, Houthi, Alan Baer, Baer, Luis Boza, Nico Luman, Jefferies, Brashier, Daejin Lee Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Houthi, U.S, U.S . Central Command, USA, CNBC, Evergreen, Shipping, Logistics, Head, Research, Fertistream Locations: Suez, Egypt, Yemen, South Africa, Gibraltar, Maersk, Lisbon, Portugal, Asia

☆ U.S. crude oil tops $75 briefly then fades after strikes against Iran-backed Houthis
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

An oil tanker anchored in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen's contested western province of Hodeida on July 15, 2023. Oil prices rose after Britain and the United States carried out military strikes against targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, as tensions in the Red Sea mount further. U.S. crude oil jumped to $75.25 a barrel while the global benchmark touched $80.75. The benchmarks pulled back later in the session with U.S. crude settling at $72.68 a barrel and Brent settling at $78.29 a barrel. While the U.S. has carried out strikes on Iranian proxies in Syria and Iraq since the outbreak of the Gaza war, this would be the first known strike against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Persons: Brent, Joe Biden Organizations: West Texas Intermediate, Brent Locations: Red, Yemen's, Hodeida, Britain, United States, Houthi, Yemen, U.S, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Iran

☆ The most powerful passport in the world? Six countries tie for top spot
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Six countries have earned the title of the most powerful passports in 2024 — with all of them granting visa-free travel to 194 out of 227 destinations. Four EU member states now share crown with Singapore and Japan as the number one passport in the quarterly Henley Passport Index. The two Asian countries have dominated the index in the past five years. In second place are countries like South Korea, Finland and Sweden with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Australia and New Zealand took sixth place, while the U.S. retains its 7th place, according to Henley's rankings.

Organizations: Henley, New Zealand, International Air Transport Authority Locations: Singapore, Japan, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, Australia, New, U.S

☆ Copper could skyrocket over 75% to record highs by 2025 — brace for deficits, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-03 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Copper prices are set to soar more than 75% over the next two years amid mining supply disruptions and higher demand for the metal, fueled by the push for renewable energy. In a December report, the investment bank forecast that the higher renewable energy targets would boost copper demand by extra 4.2 million tons by 2030. This would potentially push copper prices to $15,000 a ton in 2025, the report added, way higher than the record peak of $10,730 per ton scaled in March last year. "This assumes a very soft landing in the U.S. and Europe, an earlier global growth recovery, significant China easing," Citi analysts said, while also emphasizing on continued investments in the energy transition sector. A growing economy tends to boost demand for copper, which is used in electrical equipment and industrial machinery.

Persons: Matty Zhao Organizations: U.S, BMI, Fitch Solutions, U.S . Federal Reserve, Bank of America Securities, CNBC, Citibank, Citi Locations: Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China, Asia, Pacific, U.S, Europe

☆ Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund overtakes Singapore's GIC to top spending table
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-03 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) was the top spender among global sovereign wealth funds last year, accounting for about a quarter of the $124 billion splashed by state-owned investors, according to a preliminary report by research consultancy Global SWF. The Saudi fund boosted its deal activities from a total of $20.7 billion in 2022 to $31.6 billion in 2023, the research said, even as most other counterparts tapered down their spending. Overall, global sovereign wealth funds deployed 20% fewer funds compared with 2022, despite most major stock markets seeing a rally last year. "This may signal an overly cautious approach, as there is no shortage of capital to put to work among these institutions," the report, which tracks activities across the world's sovereign funds, noted. The Saudi fund has sought frequent deals and joint ventures in its pursuit toward Vision 2030 — a plan originally launched in 2016 which aims to increase economic diversification away from oil.

Persons: spender, Saudi's, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Organizations: Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Saudi Crown, Nintendo, Materials Locations: Saudi, Japan, Brazil

A picture taken during an organised tour by Yemen's Houthi rebels on November 22, 2023 showing the Galaxy Leader cargo ship approaching the port in the Red Sea off Yemen's province of Hodeida. Oil prices fell Tuesday as traders monitored rising tensions in the Red Sea amid a backdrop of record U.S. crude production and worries about demand in China. Crude prices had jumped more than 2% earlier in the trading session on escalating tensions in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade chokepoint. And Iran on Monday deployed a destroyer to the Red Sea, according to the country's Tansim news agency. The move by Tehran comes after U.S. Navy helicopters destroyed three boats of Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Persons: Yemen's Houthi, Brent, Helima Croft, Croft, Adi Imsirovic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Neil Beveridge, Lloyd Organizations: Galaxy Leader, The West Texas Intermediate, RBC Capital Markets, CNBC, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Monday, U.S . Navy, Navy, U.S . Central Command, Energy, Prosperity Locations: Red, Yemen's, Hodeida, China, The, Iran, Tehran, Singapore, Hangzhou, Brent, Israel, Gaza, Suez, Africa, The U.S

☆ U.S. has failed the Palestinian people, officials say after vetoed UN vote for Gaza Strip cease-fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-11 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

(Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesPalestinian officials expressed resounding disappointment after the United States vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. Yuki Iwamura | AFP | Getty ImagesThe U.S. on Friday vetoed a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that was backed by 13 Security Council members, while the United Kingdom abstained. The vote came about after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the U.N. charter to coalesce the 15-nation council to address the crisis in the Gaza Strip. Mohammad Shtayyeh, prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, echoed the disappointment on Sunday, describing the result as "sad" and a "shame." The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority administered the Gaza enclave before the shock win of Hamas in the elections of 2006.

Persons: Majdi Fathi, United Kingdom Husam Zomlot, CNBC's Dan Murphy, White, John Kirby, Israel, Kirby, Antonio Guterres, Yuki Iwamura, Mohammad Shtayyeh, it's, that's, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, Brendan Smialowski, Israel —, Robert Wood Organizations: Hamas, Getty, Nurphoto, United, Doha Forum, CNBC, Air Force, Reuters, UN, United Nations Security, AFP, Security, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Chatham House's, U.S ., Gaza, Palestinian, U.S, Afp, Israel Defense Forces Locations: Jaffa, Deir el, Gaza, Israel, United Nations, U.S, United Kingdom, Qatar, Lebanon, Washington, Lebanese, New York City, United, Vakil, Chatham, East North Africa, Doha, liaise, Tel Aviv, Palestine

☆ China’s youths throng bargain basements as economy bites: ‘The first floor is too expensive’
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-06 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesMin Li doesn't go to the mall often. The name of the game for Chinese youth in 2024 is trading down. Anything not in the basement floors is considered to be "in heaven," signaling it's out of reach. Citizens shopping for Mid-Autumn Festival gifts at a shopping mall in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, Sept 25, 2023. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images"The name of the game for Chinese youth in 2024 is trading down.

Persons: Min Li doesn't, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, She's, Shaun Rein, Rein, Jia Miao, Jia, Chung Chi, Miao Organizations: Future Publishing, Getty, Apple, China Market Research Group, Starbucks, China Market Research, Weibo, Citizens, Publishing, New York University Shanghai, MyCOS Research, NYU Shanghai, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, McKinsey, China's, China News Service Locations: Yantai, East China's Shandong province, Weibo, East China's Shandong, Covid, NYU Shanghai China, Shanghai, Guangzhou

☆ Venezuelans vote to claim sovereignty over a part of oil-rich nation Guyana
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Venezuelan electoral authorities on December 3 claimed that 95 percent of voters in a nonbinding referendum approved of the nation's territorial claim on a huge chunk of neighboring oil-rich Guyana. The 61,600 square-mile Essequibo region makes up two-thirds of Guyana, and holds enormous oil reserves off its coast. Venezuela believes that Guyana has no right to grant oil concessions in the maritime areas off the disputed territory. In 1899, an international arbitral tribunal awarded the territory to Britain, when Guyana was still under its colonial rule. Maduro in November accused Guyana, the U.S. and oil firms of robbing Venezuela of its territory through "legal colonialism."

Persons: Nicolás, Elvis Amoroso, Pedro Rances Mattey, PEDRO RANCES MATTEY, Nicolas Maduro's Organizations: Bolivarian, Electoral, Venezuelan, Electoral Council, Getty Images, Voters, Associated Press, ExxonMobil, Court of Locations: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Essequibo, Caracas, Guyana, AFP, Venezuela's, Venezuela, Venezuelan, Britain, U.S

☆ Gold soars past $2,100 to new record — and analysts don't expect it to stop there
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold prices notched a new record on Monday for a second day in a row — with spot prices touching $2,100 as the global rush for bullion appears set to continue. Gold prices are on course to hit fresh highs next year and could remain above $2,000 levels, analysts said, citing geopolitical uncertainty, a likely weaker U.S. dollar and possible interest rate cuts. Gold tends to perform well during periods of economic and geopolitical uncertainty due to its status as a reliable store of value. He estimated that gold prices could reach up to $2,200 by the end of 2024. "There is simply less leverage this time around vs 2011 in gold ... taking prices through $2,100 and putting $2,200/oz in view," said Nicky Shiels, head of metals strategy at precious metals firm MKS PAMP.

Persons: Heng Koon, Nicky Shiels Organizations: Markets, Global Economics, Markets Research, CNBC Locations: Israel

☆ Oil prices could reach $100 a barrel in 2024 if OPEC+ members fulfil pledges for voluntary cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Processing towers stand at the RN-Tuapsinsky refinery, operated by Rosneft Oil Co., in Tuapse, Russia, on Monday, March 23, 2020. Oil prices are expected to rise in the new year after some OPEC+ oil producers voluntarily pledged to cut output. The oil cartel on Thursday released a statement that did not formally endorse production cuts, but individual countries announced voluntary reductions totaling 2.2 million barrels per day for the first quarter of 2024. Russia said it will cut supply by 300,000 barrels per day of crude and 200,000 barrels per day of petroleum products over the same period. We have to have compliance from the other OPEC nations," Bill Perkins, CEO and head trader of Skylar Capital Management, told CNBC.

Persons: Bill Perkins Organizations: Rosneft Oil, United, United Arab Emirates, Skylar Capital Management, CNBC Locations: Tuapse, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Iraq, United Arab, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Oman

☆ Gaza’s economy is in ruins as Israel-Hamas war sets development back decades
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Mahmud Hams | Afp | Getty ImagesWar-battered Gaza's already fragile economy lies in ruins, much like its buildings, following more than a month of bombings by Israel after Hamas militants attacked the country in October. "Gaza's economy is 100% dependent on two sources of revenue: foreign aid and access to Israel's labor market. According to the United Nations, during the 1970s and 1980s, the Palestinian economy saw relatively strong capital inflows, largely due to remittances from Palestinian workers in Israel and the Gulf countries. Things changed after Hamas gained power in Gaza in 2006 when Israel relinquished its control of the enclave. The U.N. classifies Israel as an occupier state over the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

Persons: Khan Younis, Mahmud Hams, Gazans, Marko Papic, Kevin Klowden Milken, Kevin Klowden, Israel, Raja Khalidi, Klowden, Khalidi Organizations: Afp, Getty, United Nations, Food, Clocktower, CNBC, West Bank, Economic Policy Research, International Labor Organization, United Nations Development, Milken Institute, Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute, Hamas, Palestinian Authority Locations: Gaza, Mahmud, Israel, Ramallah, West, Santa Monica , California, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi, Palestinian

☆ Australia has too many sheep – and farmers are giving them away for free
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Australia's mutton glut sent prices tumbling, and some farmers are culling or giving away their sheep to save costs instead of rearing them on-farm. Mutton prices have slumped 70% over the past year to $1.23 per kg, data provided by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) showed. Driving the large sheep flock were three years of above-average rainfall in Australia's sheep regions, such as New South Wales and Victoria. "Farmers have [since] seen a massive fall in profitability … Many sheep may not have a market which could lead to farmers destroying animals," Steve McGuire, vice president of agricultural advocacy group WAFarmers, told CNBC. He added that farmers would much rather give the animals away than cull them, but there hasn't been many takers for the free sheep.

Persons: Tim Jackson, Andrew Spencer, Steve McGuire, hasn't Organizations: Meat, Livestock Australia, Sheep Producers Australia, CNBC, Farmers Locations: Australia, New South Wales, Victoria

☆ Is the Great Resignation over? Why bosses are leaving at record rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

sturti | Getty ImagesThe Great Resignation may be over for most workers — but for some top honchos, it's only just begun. CEOs are looking around and thinking: 'I prefer a position in another company,' or 'I prefer retirement. "CEOs are looking around and thinking: 'I prefer a position in another company,' or 'I prefer retirement. While businesses rally to ensure the mental well-being of their workforce, CEOs might find themselves isolated in their struggles. While businesses rally to ensure the mental well-being of their workforce, CEOs might find themselves isolated in their struggles."

Persons: Gray, Alexander Kirss, Covid, switchers, Kirss, Carlina, —, LaShawn Davis, Challenger, Andrew Challenger, Davis, there's Organizations: Challenger, Christmas, Gartner, CNBC, Employees, Hospitals Locations: Ukraine

☆ World economy to perform better than expected in 2024, says Goldman Sachs
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. is expected to outpace other developed markets again with estimated growth of 2.1%, Goldman said. Goldman noted global manufacturing activity has been weighed down by a weaker-than-expected rebound in Chinese manufacturing and the European energy crisis, as well as an inventory cycle that had to correct for overbuilding last year. S&P Global's gauge of worldwide manufacturing activity came in at 49.1 in September. Additionally, China's Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI fell to 49.5 in October from 50.6 in September, marking the first contraction since July. Manufacturing activity should recover somewhat in 2024 from a subdued 2023 pace, Goldman economists led by chief economist Jan Hatzius said, especially as "spending patterns normalize, gas-intensive European production finds a trough, and inventories-to-GDP ratios stabilize."

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Goldman, Jerome Powell, Jan Hatzius, China's Organizations: Bloomberg, U.S . Federal Reserve, Global, Goldman Sachs, P Global, PMI Locations: York, U.S, Japan

☆ The world's best and brightest are flocking to these countries
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Commercial and residential properties stand on the city skyline in Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Switzerland is once again the world's most talent-competitive country, according to the 2023 Global Talent Competitiveness Index by business school INSEAD. The annual report measures how 134 countries draw in, grow and retain their talent. The top-ten countries have remained steady over the past decade, with Switzerland and Singapore consistently topping the charts as "clear leaders." "Over the past decade, we've seen an unwavering link between a country's wealth and its talent competitiveness, with richer economies continuing to outshine poorer economies," the report stated.

Persons: we've Organizations: U.S Locations: Zurich, Switzerland, Singapore

☆ Goldman Sachs sees 'clear deficit' of iron ore for the rest of the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The iron ore market is looking at a shortfall for the rest of the year due to low inventories and falling production, said Goldman Sachs. "Rather than facing a surplus for this year, the iron ore market is now set for a clear deficit," Goldman said in a recent report. The metal is primarily used to make steel, an important material in construction and engineering projects. That being said, Goldman remains cautious in ascribing too much optimism in the uptick of steel demand coming out of China's embattled property sector. China's property crisis has been one of the biggest spanner in the works in achieving a sustainable economic recovery.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Goldman Locations: China's

☆ South Korea is battling against a bedbug outbreak
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

South Korea has been gripped by a bedbug outbreak, and the government is rushing to battle the bloodsucking bugs. The bedbugs were first found in a sauna in Incheon, as well as university dormitories and gosiwons, according to a the South Korean government. An initial outbreak was reported in a dormitory at Keimyung University in Daegu city in September. As of Tuesday, the number of suspected bedbug cases rose to 30, with more than half in the capital, Seoul. While they do not transmit diseases, their bites can cause intense itching and lead to secondary skin infections or scarring.

Persons: bedbugs Organizations: South, Keimyung University, Korea Disease Control, Prevention Agency Locations: Paris, Seoul, South Korea, Incheon, Daegu, South Korea's, Korea

☆ China is 'absolutely booming' in this sector, says Standard Chartered
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

China's economic recovery story has been a largely disappointing one, but the economic powerhouse is seeing stellar growth in one particular sector, said Standard Chartered's Bill Winters. While China's recovery is still "a bit bumpy," the country is also building is a more resilient, sustainable and stronger economy, he said. "Gradually decompressing the old economy sectors, and accelerating in the new economy sectors," Winters added. China boasts the world's largest EV market with 5.9 million units sold in 2022, capturing 59% of EVs sold globally, according to research from Canalys. Additionally, Counterpoint Research data showed that domestic brands make up 81% of the EV market — with BYD, Wuling, Chery, Changan and GAC among the top players.

Persons: Bill Winters, CNBC's Emily Tan, Winters, EVs Organizations: Global Financial, Investment, Research, Chery, Changan, GAC Locations: China

☆ Asia-Pacific markets fall ahead of China trade data, RBA rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Photo: Carola Frentzen/dpa (Photo by Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets fell Tuesday ahead of trade data coming out of China, as well as a rate decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 traded 0.22% lower ahead of the central bank's rate decision. Economists polled by Reuters expect the central bank to raise its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slipped 0.5% in its first hour of trade, while the Topix shed 0.39%. South Korea's Kospi fell 1.66%, easing off Monday's gains when the index posted its best session since late March 2020 after the country re-imposed a ban on short selling.

Persons: Carola Frentzen, Australia's, Korea's Kospi Organizations: Opera, Getty Images, Reserve Bank of Australia, Reuters, Nikkei Locations: Sydney, Asia, Pacific, China, Japan

☆ Strait of Hormuz is in focus as Israel-Hamas war threatens to spread
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tankers depicted in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategically important waterway which separates Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Market observers are keeping a close eye on the the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most important oil transit chokepoint, to see if there may be any potential impact. The strait, which sits between Oman and Iran, is a vital channel where about one fifth of global oil production flow daily, according to the Energy Information Administration. It is a strategically important waterway linking crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world. On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched a multi-pronged attack by land, sea and air and infiltrated Israel, killing more than 1,400 people.

Persons: It's Organizations: United, United Arab Emirates, Hamas, Energy Information Administration, Revolutionary Guard Corps Locations: Strait, Hormuz, Iran, Oman, United Arab, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Lebanon, Syria, The U.S

☆ Is FOSO the new FOMO? How the 'fear of switching off' could affect your vacations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | Harriet Akinyi | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The nagging feeling which keeps travelers tethered to their devices has been coined the fear of switching off, or FOSO. It's loosely similar to the fear of missing out (FOMO), commonly denoted as the worries of not being included in exciting experiences or activities that others are a part of. FOSO can be seen as an extension of FOMO, said Handcock. "The fear of disconnecting from devices partially stems from a fear of missing out on work and home updates," he elaborated. Gideon Mendel | Corbis Historical | Getty ImagesAccording to the survey by Priority Pass, FOSO is more prevalent among younger travelers.

Persons: Jasper Chan ambled, Chan, Collinson, Tan De, Todd Handcock, Cortney Warren, FOSO, Warren, Gideon Mendel, Gen Z, boomers, Tovah Klein, Klein, Zs, Collins, Jefferson Low, Tan De Xun, Tan, Young Organizations: CNBC Travel, CNBC, Barnard College, Jefferson, Bank of Japan, Vw, Getty Locations: Wat Arun, Bangkok, Tan De Xun, FOMO, Niseko, Bank, Singapore, Lesotho, Africa

☆ Australia wants to diversify its relationship with China: 'That doesn't mean trading any less'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Australia wants to diversify its trading relationship with China, but that doesn't mean trade flows will slow down, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell told CNBC. "We want to stabilize our relationship with China... we also want to diversify our relationship," Farrell told CNBC's Martin Soong on the weekend in Osaka, Japan where G7 trade ministers met. "That doesn't mean trading any less with China. But it does mean trading more with the countries with whom we have free trade agreements," he added, citing those in the European Union bloc. Canberra is also in dialogue with its largest trading partner China to drop tariffs on Australian wine imports that were introduced in March 2021.

Persons: Don Farrell, Farrell, CNBC's Martin Soong Organizations: Australian Trade, CNBC, European Union Locations: China, Osaka, Japan, Australia, Canberra, Beijing

☆ Oil could soar to record high of $150 if Israel-Hamas war escalates further, World Bank says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Picture taken on May 3, 2022 shows a general view of Slovakia's largest mineral oil refinery Slovnaft in Bratislava, Slovakia. Record high oil prices could be on the horizon in the event of a conflagration of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the World Bank cautioned. Should the conflict expand beyond the borders of the Gaza Strip to a repeat of the Arab oil embargo in 1973, oil prices could surge to $157 per barrel, the World Bank noted in its latest Commodity Markets Outlook report. The highest price of oil on record was in July 2008, when Brent traded as high as $147.5 per barrel, according to data from LSEG. "In a 'large disruption' scenario — comparable to the Arab oil embargo in 1973 — the global oil supply would shrink by 6 million to 8 million barrels per day," the World Bank said.

Persons: Brent Organizations: World Bank, Markets Locations: Bratislava, Slovakia, Israel, Gaza

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