Australian fuel prices set to rise by 30c as global markets react to ‘deadly cocktail’

Fuel prices in Australia are set to increase by 30 cents as global markets react to a complex mix of factors. The uptick follows a surge in global oil prices, hitting a 15-week high and breaching the $108 mark for the first time in over a year. This escalation in oil costs has been triggered by the Middle East conflict, a promise from US President Donald Trump to give every adult citizen a $5,000 dividend, and investor concerns over US fiscal policies and the Federal Reserve's rate hike plans.

The global oil benchmark, Brent crude, has risen to $108 a barrel, while US bond yields have climbed to a 15-year high of 5.38%. Steve Miller, an investment strategist, attributes the situation to a "deadly cocktail" of high oil prices, US fiscal irresponsibility, and worries about the Federal Reserve's independence. The prospect of rising energy costs is also expected to drive further increases in Australia's diesel prices, potentially going up by 10-30 cents per litre.

Despite rising interest rates, which could negatively impact stock valuations, optimism surrounding the global economy, particularly the artificial intelligence sector, is providing a positive boost to share markets. The Australian S&P/ASX 200 index is on track to end the week down 3%, but it has seen a 10% increase since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, contrasting with a 5% fall in the ASX 200.