Today we will look at how the conflict in the Middle East can potentially impact Oil prices of the world. We will also look at the current UK AI Summit, is AI a force for good or evil? And lastly we will look at Asos and their potential big
losses which has been experienced and what it means for the British fashion brand going forward.
Global oil prices have actually been trending
downwards and is expected to be down for the fourth quarter of 2023. A small disruption in the oil supply can
severely impact the price of oils for the rest of the world.
If oil prices remain high inevitably, then other factors across economies world-wide will start seeing a rise in prices.
With the commodities rising only moderately, it is clear as the World Bank puts it that global economies have reduced their dependencies on oil prices. The report also states that policy holders should remain alert.
Gold usually rises during periods of uncertainty
and conflict as investor confidence usually tends to fall and so they seek more stable investments to put their funds. If the conflict continues rising, policymakers in developing countries will need to implement measures for a potential rise in headline inflation.
The first of it’s kind, AI Safety Summit, is currently underway for November 1st and 2nd 2023 taking place in the Buckinghamshire, UK, where leaders and policy holders are meeting to discuss AI and it’s impact on the World Economy. There is potential and serious, even catastrophic harm that is either deliberate or unintentional as the AI systems develops. The document also stated that the leaders have vowed to have a human centric and trustworthy AI system implemented as it poses an international risk and so international leadership and actions are required. AI also brings a lot of positives through it, which are also welcomed by leaders. With future generative technologies to come, AI can in fact accelerate the diagnosis of diseases, it could also combat
climate change and also streamline manufacturing processes.
Many governments are currently moving forward
with their own laws and regulations of AI. President Biden announced an executive order this week requiring AI companies to assess national safety risks before releasing to the country. England however believe they have sufficient laws to protect citizens against AI and so will not be releasing any new laws as it stands right now, but they will however release an AI safety Institute that will evaluate and test new AI models.
Once considered the darling of British Fast Fashion, and having record breaking sales during the pandemic due to their online dominance, ASOS is now experiencing a loss greater than anyone could ever imagine. Revenues currently are also down to 3.5 billion pounds from 3.9 billion. This immediately saw a reduction in the share
price to 351 pounds almost 11% on the London Stock Exchange. In addition, consumers have started going back to physical stores and since the model is based on online shoppers, it would have seen an impact.
ASOS did share that they will be closing its second fulfilment centre in Lichfield Staffordshire by the end of the year.