Latest news with #ArturWidak
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What's Fueling Oil Prices? Geopolitics, Not Growth
EDMONTON, CANADA, MAY 24: Close-up of a replica oil with words 'oil Country' well painted in ... More Edmonton Oilers colors, displayed outdoors in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on May 24, 2025. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Oil prices are climbing once more. Although fundamentals such as supply and demand continue to be significant, the latest spike is largely unrelated to seasonal trends or economic expansion. Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher. Israel's recent military strikes against Iran, aimed at critical nuclear sites, have shaken the global energy landscape. This escalation has created shockwaves in the oil markets, with Brent crude experiencing a surge of up to 13%, hitting $78.50 per barrel before plateauing around $75. In a similar fashion, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped over 9%, reaching a peak of $77.62 and concluding near $74. This represents the largest single-day price increase in oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The offensive was initiated shortly before expected U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations and was justified by Israel as a crucial measure to prevent Iran from nearing nuclear weapon capabilities. Central to the current instability is the Strait of Hormuz, a slender waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. While it measures only 21 miles at its narrowest point, its strategic significance is immense: approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil transits through this crucial channel each day. Presently, this essential route is under increased observation. Although Israeli attacks have upheld Iran's oil infrastructure for the moment, the threat of retaliation looms large. Iran has persistently warned it might close the Strait—a move that would instantly disrupt global energy supplies. The mere potential for such disruption is sufficient to elevate prices as traders prepare for volatility. OPEC+ Output Rises: On May 31, 2025, OPEC+ revealed its third consecutive monthly production increase, adding 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July. This action, motivated by Saudi Arabia's ambition for market share, occurs amid internal tensions, particularly with Russia, and follows the reinstatement of 1.37 million bpd of a planned 2.2 million bpd increase by the end of 2026. While indicating a strategic change, the group emphasized that future increases are contingent upon market conditions, with the next policy decision scheduled for July 6. A Market in Surplus: As of May, the global oil market already exhibits a surplus of approximately 0.5 million bpd. In the meantime, non-OPEC producers like the U.S. and Brazil are continuing to elevate their output, contributing to a more substantial global supply situation than was previously expected. This increasing surplus coincides with the OECD's recent downgrade of its global GDP growth forecast for 2025, from 3.1% to 2.9%—indicating softer demand on the horizon. Although summer travel and a slight resurgence in emerging markets are currently sustaining demand, any additional economic downturn could tip the scales. Demand Uncertainty: Optimism regarding a rebound in China's oil demand is tempered by escalating trade tensions and tariffs, which may hinder global growth. Slower economic activity could suppress demand, while disrupted supply chains may also limit output, creating a complex, conflicting impact on oil prices that defies straightforward forecasting. The confluence of increasing supply, uncertain demand, and macroeconomic challenges places the oil market in a delicate state. On one side, prices could soar towards $80 per barrel if tensions in the Middle East intensify and supply risks materialize, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz comes under threat. Conversely, OPEC+ production increases and economic softness could restrain price gains and revive oversupply worries as autumn approaches. The recent increase in oil prices is not merely an economic occurrence—it reflects escalating global anxiety. As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, markets will remain on edge. Investors, consumers, and policymakers should brace for ongoing price fluctuations, driven more by geopolitical factors than by supply. If history serves as a lesson, geopolitical risk premiums can dissipate rapidly—but they can also increase sharply. As oil prices escalate, upstream oil companies such as Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and SLB (NYSE: SLB) typically tend to benefit in such conditions. For investors seeking growth with reduced volatility, the Trefis High Quality Portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 with 91% returns since its inception, offering a steadier experience amid turbulence.
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Man arrested after €100k in jewellery stolen from Dublin business
A man was arrested in Dublin after jewellery worth approximately €100,000 was robbed from a business. Gardaí were alerted to a burglary at a retail premises on Clarendon Street in Dublin 2 at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday morning (June 11). When they arrived at the scene, they say it was clear that the premises was damaged and jewellery was taken. A description of the suspect was taken via CCTV, and after circulating on radio to other members of the force, the suspect was identified within the hour by Gardaí on dedicated high-visibility patrol near St Stephen's Green. A man was arrested in Dublin after jewellery worth approximately €100,000 was robbed from a business. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images The man, aged in his 40s, was apprehended by Gardaí and arrested. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin in connection with the incident. Gardaí have said that they preserved a site next to where he was arrested for the purpose of conducting a search, while the jewellery stolen during the incident, which has since been recovered by Gardaí, is estimated to be worth over €100,000. 'This arrest and the recovery of jewellery taken demonstrates the professionalism and commitment of Gardaí working in Dublin City Centre on high-visibility patrol,' Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), Paul Cleary, said. 'Public safety is paramount, and so too is helping to protect city centre businesses and their staff from theft and anti-social crime.' 'The swift and co-ordinated response from Gardaí overnight demonstrates that we are serious about tackling crime in Dublin, and we are yielding some positive outcomes. Our hard work to keep people safe only continues, and we hope that people feel reassured by this.' The site of the burglary remains preserved awaiting forensic examination. Investigations are ongoing.
Extra.ie
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Latest Dunnes Stores luxury shoe dupe will save you €850
Dunnes Stores is at it again with their latest luxury shoe dupes. The stunning summer find comes in three different colours and is a whopping €850 cheaper than their high end counterpart. The Irish retailer has launched its own version of the YSL slingback babylone flats that have fans absolutely running to their nearest store. Dunnes Stores is at it again with their latest luxury shoe dupes. Pic: YSL The new ballerina slingback flat shoes at Dunnes Stores retail for €15 and are perfect for any and all of your summer events. While the Saint Laurent slides retail for €890 and only come in one colour, Dunnes allow you to choose from white, black or a fun leopard pattern. Sizes range from 36 – 42 with fans of the summer staple having to be quick as some sizes are already sold out online. The stunning summer find comes in three different colours and is a whopping €850 cheaper than their high end counterpart. Pic: Dunnes Stores All colours are available on their website and in stores across the country. This isn't the first time Dunnes has ventured into luxury dupes, having made waves online for their footwear options last summer. Following the immense success of Dunnes Stores' almost-identical Birkenstock dupe at the start of the year, the Irish retailer has revealed that they are back! The Irish retailer has launched its own version of the YSL slingback babylone flats that have fans absolutely running to their nearest store. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock With the recent weather that we've all been enjoying (and hoping stays for a while), the Buckle Footbed Sandal is the ideal addition to your wardrobe. The sleek straps and polished hardware bring just the right touch of sophistication, while the contoured leather insole cushions every step, perfect for days that take you from brunch to sunset strolls. Whether pairing them with your favourite faded denim or a breezy summer dress, these sandals are your go-to for effortless elegance. Posting the sandals to their website, fashion bosses at Dunnes Stores said: 'These smart buckled sandals feature a contoured leather insole, making them super comfortable for all day wear. 'Wear yours with everything from denim to dresses.' Like the Irish retailer's last edition of the trendy sandals, eagle-eyed shoppers quickly noticed the striking similarity to the Birkenstock Arizona sandal–but there was only one noticeable difference! Coming in at just €15, the Dunnes dupe is up to an eye-watering €98 cheaper than its luxury rivals, which could set you back around €113, depending on where you buy them.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Fear Walmart At $96?
COCHRANE, CANADA MAY 20: The Walmart logo displayed at the Walmart storefront in Cochrane, Alberta, ... More Canada, on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Walmart (NYSE: WMT) proved to be a powerhouse last year, surging 75% and securing a prominent position in the S&P 500, coming in second only to Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) in the Dow. And the momentum isn't slowing down: the stock has added another 7% in 2025, even as the overall market falters. What's igniting this growth? Excellent execution in in-store activities, thriving e-commerce, and swift Walmart+ delivery. At first glance, it looks like a retail utopia. However, there's a caveat: Walmart is trading at 41 times earnings and 21 times free cash flow. Reverse those figures, and you arrive at a meager 4.7% cash flow yield. In contrast, Amazon—indeed, the leader in cloud services, ads, and all things e-commerce—trades at a lower multiple and is increasing revenue almost twice as rapidly. So while Walmart boasts scale, strategy, and Wall Street's favor, at $96 per share, that translates to a high valuation pursuing a growth narrative that simply isn't keeping up. And what happens when actual growth fails to match the expectations? That's when reality sets in. See Buy or Sell Walmart stock? Walmart is frequently seen as a recession-resistant stock, but past events tell a more complex story. During the 2008 global financial crisis, its stock price fell nearly 27%. In the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020, shares decreased by 17%. And in 2022, in the face of spiraling inflation and consumer pressures, Walmart faced another setback with a 26% drop. Not exactly bulletproof—yet today, the stock is valued at a premium. Management is pinning its hopes on high-growth areas such as e-commerce, advertising (Walmart Connect), memberships, and marketplace growth. The figures are noteworthy: global e-commerce sales increased by 22% (in Q1), ad revenues grew by 31%, and ultra-fast delivery services now reach 95% of the U.S. population. The company also reported a profit in e-commerce in Q1'26—a vital achievement. Yet the bigger picture is less exciting. Gross margins improved by only 12 basis points, and although customer transactions increased by 1.6% in Q1, surpassing competitors like Target (NYSE: TGT), that growth represents the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing momentum. Walmart's high valuation is based on the belief that its emerging divisions will soon yield substantial profit growth. Despite the flashy growth in e-commerce, the reality is that Walmart's momentum is far from robust. In FY 2026, the company's management projects 4% revenue growth, 4.5% operating income growth, and under 2% EPS growth. That's barely a heartbeat for a company valued like a hyper-growth tech entity. See our analysis on Walmart's Valuation for more information on what is influencing our price estimate for the stock. Adding to the challenge is tariff risk. New U.S. tariffs on imports from nations such as Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia could lead to higher prices as soon as June. Walmart hasn't canceled any orders but is reducing purchase quantities on potentially price-sensitive products. With one-third of its U.S. merchandise coming from imports, and significant exposure to Chinese goods, the risk posed by these tariffs remains a serious concern. Despite valuation pressures and macroeconomic risks, Walmart's size provides substantial advantages. Its leadership in groceries guarantees steady customer traffic, which also boosts sales of discretionary items. While competitors are struggling with foot traffic, Walmart achieved a 4.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales in Q1 and maintained its guidance for the full year. The company continues to expand in high-margin, high-growth sectors—e-commerce, digital advertising, and international markets—positioning itself for long-term resilience. Expensive? Certainly. Vulnerable? Far from it. Investing in a single stock involves inherent risks. Conversely, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which comprises 30 stocks, has a history of comfortably outperforming the S&P 500 over the last four-year period. Why is that? As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks offer better returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index, providing a steadier investment experience, as seen in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
Extra.ie
26-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Four women killed in serperate collisions over the weekend
Four women have been killed in separate road collisions across the country over the weekend. A woman in her 70s died while cycling in Co. Clare in a crash involving a tractor at Toonagh, Tulla, 10km outside Ennis on Saturday, shortly before 1 pm. She was pronounced dead by the emergency services at the scene and was removed to University Hospital Limerick for a post-mortem. Four women have been killed in separate road collisions across the country over the weekend. Pic: Sam Boal/ The road was closed for technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators. There were no other injuries reported. Another fatal collision occurred later on Saturday at Curraghgraigue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, at 3 pm, in which a female pedestrian in her 20s was killed. After gardaí and emergency services responded to the collision involving a car on the R702, the woman was removed from the scene to Wexford General Hospital, where she later passed away. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock (14458825g) The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, received a medical assessment at the scene. Gardaí have stated that investigations are ongoing and have appealed for witnesses. A woman in her 60s, also a pedestrian, was killed on Saturday evening outside Ashbourne, Co. Meath, after being struck by a car on the Dublin Road between Nine Milestone and Coolquay at around 7.10 pm. The woman, named locally as Theresa Morgan, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was removed to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, for a post-mortem. The number of road deaths so far in 2025 is now at 65, a decrease of eight from last year's figure for the same period, of 73. Pic Stephen Collins/Collins Photos The male driver, as well as the passenger of the car, both in their 20s, were taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown with non-life-threatening injuries. Bernadette 'Bernie' Cranley, 82, from Lifford, Co. Donegal, died when a Toyota Vitz she was driving collided with another car on the notorious A5 road between Omagh and Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, on Saturday afternoon. The other driver, a woman in her 70s, was taken to hospital and is understood to have serious injuries. The number of road deaths so far in 2025 is now at 65, a decrease of eight from last year's figure for the same period, of 73. Ms Cranley's fatal crash was not recorded on the Garda database as it took place north of the border. A fatal collision has occurred on average once every two days since the year began.
