FEAR & GREED | Business News Trump “obliterate” threat to hit ASX; housing market falters; 10 mins isn’t a work day
Mar 22, 2026
Global market jitters after a dramatic threat to Iran’s power plants and the oil price spike that could follow. Fuel delivery cancellations and rising petrol costs for Australia. Housing auctions slow as clearance rates fall amid higher rates and uncertainty. A surge in fraud driven by AI-enabled fakes. A ruling that clocking just ten minutes a day is not acceptable work time. World airport rankings and where Australian airports sit.
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Geopolitical Rhetoric Is Driving Market Volatility
- Markets are spooked by inconsistent US rhetoric as President Trump warned he would "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz isn't reopened within 48 hours.
- Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson link that escalation to higher oil prices, rising bond yields, and a possible near‑term 15% top‑to‑bottom slide in the local share market.
Supply Glitches Are Pushing Local Petrol Prices Higher
- The Middle East crisis is already disrupting fuel supply lines with six of ~80 scheduled tanker deliveries to Australia cancelled or deferred this month.
- Energy Minister Chris Bowen reported Australia still has ~38 days of petrol and refineries are running 'full pelt', but some stations have run dry and prices are rising.
Housing Auction Clearance Rates Are Falling Nationwide
- Auction clearance rates across all capitals fell to the lowest levels since 2025, with a combined preliminary rate of 62.7% and every city recording declines.
- Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty are cited as the likely causes amid a near 4,000‑auction week ahead that will test the trend.