Rob Verdonck
Verified
Energy News editor @business in Sydney. Focused on LNG, gas, the energy transition and climate. All opinions are my own
Articles by Rob Verdonck
Australia Climate Ruling to Test $49 Billion of Coal Exports (2)
Australia's highest court ruled planning authorities weighing coal mine projects should consider climate change impacts triggered by the use of the fuel, potentially adding challenges for an export sector that generates A$70 billion($49 billion) a year.
Climate Ruling Deals Blow to Australia's $49 Billion Coal Export Sector
Australian government, Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Australia’s highest court ruled planning authorities weighing coal mine projects should consider climate change impacts triggered by the use of the fuel, potentially adding challenges for an export...
Australia’s World-Leading Household Solar Buildout Continues to Surprise
Clean Energy Council (Bloomberg) -- Australian households — world leaders in solar panel installations — are adding new units at the fastest pace in five years, defying forecasts for a slowdown as the grid pivots at pace toward renewables.
Asian stocks to fall as Iran flare-up boosts oil
Stocks expected to fall as geopolitical tensions boost oil prices and inflation concerns. Fed Chair's remarks on rate hike likelihood increase market volatility anticipation. (Sept 1) : Stocks in Asia are set to follow Wall Street lower as renewed geopolitical tensions lifted oil prices, reviving inflation concerns and the prospect of further monetary tightening.
Australia Launches First Offshore Wind Auction in Victoria State
Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Australia’s Victoria state has opened the nation’s first offshore wind auction, although there’s skepticism it will meet its lofty targets for the renewable technology.
UK Suspends Thames Water Administration Plan, The Times Reports
Opinion (UK) Now An overly complicated tax system is holding the UK back City AM - Adam Frais • 30m Tax simplification should be integral to the government’s growth agenda, writes Adam Frais Byzantine, Kafkaesque, labyrinthine – descriptions that … Andy Burnham 4 hours ago Andy Burnham refuses to rule out tax rises in autumn Budget bbc.co.uk - Rachel Clun • 4h Andy Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the upcoming autumn Budget, saying he "won't be unrealistic" about the "challenging"...
Renewables Are Fragmenting Australia’s Volatile Power Market
Australian Energy Regulator (Bloomberg) -- Australia’s main power grid is fragmenting from a single national market into many different, smaller ones as renewable generation and batteries gain importance, according to the national regulator.
Asia stocks to fall, oil extends gains on Mid East
Asia stocks expected lower amid inflation concerns and stalled Iran peace talks. Oil prices rise 1% to US$85.30, fueling worries about Fed rate hikes. (Aug 18) : Stocks in Asia were set to follow Wall Street lower as elevated oil prices stoked inflation concerns and hopes faded for a deal to end the Iran war. Equity-index futures pointed to declines in Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong on Tuesday, while South Korean markets were set to reopen after a holiday.
Australian Homes Lead the World on Home-Battery Installation Thanks to Subsidies
Photographer: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Half a million Australian homes, or about 4% of the total, have installed a residential battery under a government program that is transforming one of the world’s most volatile power markets.
Bolsas asiáticas caen mientras el petróleo se mantiene firme por la incertidumbre sobre Ormuz
Bloomberg — El petróleo mantuvo sus ganancias a medida que las menguantes esperanzas de un acuerdo para reabrir el estrecho de Ormuz reavivaron las preocupaciones inflacionarias antes de la publicación de datos clave de Estados Unidos esta semana. El crudo Brent se mantuvo estable cerca de los US$87,70 por barril el martes, tras haber ganado aproximadamente un 10% en las cuatro sesiones anteriores.
Oil Holds Gains, Asian Stocks Set for Muted Open: Markets Wrap
n9nzy1mfoysnv}szpyon6od6_media_dl_1.png ICE (Bloomberg) — Oil held onto a rally as hopes faded for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Asian stocks were set for a muted start ahead of key US inflation reports. Sign In or Create an Account US crude was steady near $82 a barrel in early trading after gaining about 9% over the previous three sessions. Equity futures indicated a flat open for Sydney and Hong Kong benchmarks, while Tokyo is closed for a holiday.
Acciones asiáticas caen por el desplome del sector de chips mientras el petróleo sigue a la baja
Bloomberg — Las acciones asiáticas cayeron ante nuevas preocupaciones sobre el gasto en inteligencia artificial, que provocaron otra ola de ventas entre los fabricantes de chips. El crudo prolongó su caída. Ver más: ¿Hasta cuándo seguirá perdiendo terreno el dólar frente a las monedas de América Latina? El índice MSCI Asia-Pacífico cayó un 1,9%, siendo las acciones tecnológicas las que registraron mayores pérdidas.
Asian stocks set for losses
Equity-index futures pointed to sharp drops in Japan and South Korea as a US gauge of semiconductor giants fell 2.2% - causing the S&P 500 to close little changed despite most shares rising. (July 28): Asian equities were set for a weaker open after a renewed selloff in chipmakers weighed on US stocks. Crude oil extended its decline.
Conflict Rattles Stocks, Bonds as Oil Holds Gains: Markets Wrap
bk{jsz3kvtk273o592iekh8{_media_dl_1.png Nymex (Bloomberg) — Oil held near its highest close since mid-June — weighing on stocks and bonds — as an escalation in Middle East hostilities outweighed attempts to bring about a pause in the war. Sign In or Create an Account West Texas Intermediate crude opened steady, as traders watched for disruptions to Saudi Arabian exports after Houthi rebels threatened to blockade a key export route through the Red Sea.
Oil held gains and Asian stocks were set to track Wall Street lower after the standoff between the US and Iran intensified, raising concerns that disruptions to energy supplies could accelerate inflation. gu1dv36[9fnlm{{{rsehpu)u_media_dl_1.png ICE (Bloomberg) — Oil held gains and Asian stocks were set to track Wall Street lower after the standoff between the US and Iran intensified, raising concerns that disruptions to energy supplies could accelerate inflation.
Oil Holds Gains as Iran Stokes Inflation Worries: Markets Wrap
Finance 6 hours ago U.S. judge voids Trump settlement with IRS CNBC • 6h CNBC's Megan Cassella reports on the latest news surrounding a Florida federal judge voiding President Trump's settlement with the IRS. Berkshire Hathaway 13 hours ago Warren Buffett’s $187 billion warning grows louder every day TheStreet - Damilola Esebame • 13h Two unusual market signals are pointing toward a bigger question for investors.
Asian stocks set to gain after tech-powered US rally
Equity-index futures pointed to positive opens in Tokyo and Hong Kong. The semiconductor sector and South Korea's Kospi Index will be in focus. (July 7): Stocks in Asia are poised to edge higher after a rally in several US technology giants revived confidence that the AI-driven bull market still has room to run. Equity-index futures pointed to positive opens in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Bolsas asiáticas apuntan a su mejor trimestre en 17 años gracias al repunte de las tecnológicas
Bloomberg — Las acciones asiáticas subieron, lo que dejó al índice de referencia regional en camino de registrar su mejor ganancia trimestral en 17 años, gracias al repunte de los valores tecnológicos. El yen se debilitó hasta alcanzar su nivel más bajo en cuatro décadas frente al dólar. Ver más: Acciones de EE.UU. repuntan gracias a las tecnológicas tras la venta masiva ligada a la IA Las acciones en Japón y Corea del Sur subieron, lo que impulsó al índice MSCI Asia-Pacífico un 0,5%.
Asian stocks climb on tech, yen hits 40-year low
The yen weakened to a four-decade low against the dollar. (June 30): Asian equities rose, leaving the regional benchmark on track for its best quarterly gain in 17 years as technology stocks rallied. The yen weakened to a four-decade low against the dollar. Stocks in Japan and South Korea rose, lifting the MSCI Asia Pacific Index by 0.5%. The regional gauge had gained 20% heading into the final trading day of the quarter.
Japan stocks set to climb as yen hits 40-year low
Yen hits 40-year low; yen's weakness boosts exporters' profits and supports Japanese stock gains. Equity futures show strong Tokyo openings, with US tech stocks rebounding from April lows. (June 30): Japanese stocks were set to rise as the yen slid to a four-decade low against the dollar and a rebound in several US technology giants lifted Wall Street. Equity futures pointed to a strong open in Tokyo, with Hong Kong and Sydney set for little change.
Asian Stocks Set for Gains as Oil Holds Losses: Markets Wrap
1 hour ago Just 10 days after the company’s blockbuster IPO, buyers of its initial public shares are in the red. Shares of Elon Musk’s SpaceX tech conglomerate plunged 16% Monday to close below their price on June 12, the date of the company’s massive initial public offering. Subscribe to read this story ad-free …
Oil Holds Losses After Iran Deal Spurs Stock Rally: Markets Wrap
8r3pacdkgtwhp[1vu8jzdjr)_media_dl_1.png Nymex, Bloomberg (Bloomberg) — Oil held losses after tumbling the most in more than two weeks on Monday as the US and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over energy supplies and fueling a global equity rally. Stocks in Asia were set for a mixed open. Sign In or Create an Account US crude was steady in early trading at around $81 a barrel, helping to ease inflation concerns.
Oil holds losses after Iran deal spurs stock rally
Oil prices held losses after tumbling, easing concerns over supplies and boosting global equity rally. US crude steady at US$81/barrel; reopening of Strait eased inflation worries. (June 16) : Oil held losses after tumbling the most in more than two weeks on Monday as the US and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over energy supplies and fueling a global equity rally. Stocks in Asia were set for a mixed open.
Woodside Buys Browse LNG Project Stake to Block Inpex Entry
Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Woodside Energy Group Ltd.
Asian stocks set to rebound on Iran, AI optimism
Asian stocks poised for rebound after biggest drop since March, driven largely positive US equity performance and tensions in the Middle East. Oil steadied as ceasefire eased pressure on crude (June 9) : Asian stocks are set to rebound from their biggest drop since March, tracking gains on Wall Street, while oil was steady as Iran and Israel pledged to ease strikes that threatened peace talks in the Middle East.
Asian Stocks Set to Rebound on Iran, AI Optimism: Markets Wrap
Asian stocks looked set to rebound from their biggest drop since March as tensions in the Middle East eased and a selloff in artificial intelligence shares abated. b92mkh62r}8j4ya8k18hipm9_media_dl_1.png Bloomberg (Bloomberg) — Asian stocks looked set to rebound from their biggest drop since March as tensions in the Middle East eased and a selloff in artificial intelligence shares abated.
Australia Sanctions Three Individuals Linked to Terrorist Groups
Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Australia has imposed sanctions on three people accused of financing terrorism.
Asian Stocks Poised to Gain as AI Rally Extends: Markets Wrap
us5rq}n6zwf18ypc{5e7n8sl_media_dl_1.png Bloomberg (Bloomberg) — Asian stocks were set to track Wall Street higher as renewed enthusiasm for the artificial-intelligence trade drove the S&P 500 to a ninth day of gains. Oil steadied as conflicting signals clouded the outlook for a US-Iran deal. Sign In or Create an Account Equity futures pointed to higher opens in Sydney and Tokyo, while contracts for Hong Kong edged lower.
Stocks in Asia to slip on mixed US-Iran signals Original
Rob Verdonck / BloombergThu, May 28, 2026 • 07:22 AM GMT+08 • • 4 min read Asian stocks expected lower amid mixed US-Iran signals over Iran deal and Strait of Hormuz access. Follow us on Facebook and join our Telegram channel for the latest updates. (May 28) : Asian stocks were set to edge lower, while oil gained as investors weighed conflicting signals over prospects for a deal to end the war in Iran and restore energy flows through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Asian stocks set to drop as bond selloff extends
Equity-index futures pointed to losses in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. (May 20): Asian stocks were poised to fall for a fourth day as mounting inflation concerns extended a selloff in Treasuries, sending yields to multi-year highs. Equity-index futures pointed to losses in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia after the S&P 500 Index dropped for a third day. Some resilience emerged as contracts for US stocks edged higher in early Asian trade.
Las acciones asiáticas siguen la caída de Wall Street tras el dato de inflación en EE.UU.
Bloomberg — Las bolsas asiáticas cayeron tras las pérdidas registradas en Wall Street, a medida que la inflación en Estados Unidos se aceleraba, lo que evidencia el impacto del aumento de los precios del petróleo desde que comenzó la guerra en Irán. El índice MSCI Asia-Pacífico cayó un 0,4% y las acciones surcoreanas descendieron un 2,4%.
Asian Stocks Under Pressure as US Inflation Rises: Markets Wrap
3 hours ago Trump said the “only thing” that matters is Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon.” President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he is not weighing the economic burden of the Iran war on everyday Americans when negotiating a deal with the country’s leadership. Subscribe to read this story ad-free …
Asian stocks under pressure as US inflation rises
Asian stocks face weakness due to US inflation rise, dollar strength amid energy disruptions from Iran. Core CPI surged 3.8%, core gauge at +2.8% in April; high oil prices affect broader economy. (May 13) : Asian stocks are poised for a weak open after losses on Wall Street, with the dollar strengthening and bonds falling as inflation data showed the impact of energy disruptions linked to the war in Iran.
Asian Stocks to Track US Gains on Truce Optimism: Markets Wrap
vcuisso9f3y]ja8ugwcvrww(_media_dl_1.png Bloomberg (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Asia are set to follow Wall Street higher, while oil steadied after its biggest drop in two weeks, as signs that a ceasefire in the Middle East is holding eased fears of a broader conflict that could threaten the global economy. Sign In or Create an Account Equity futures indicated gains in Sydney and Hong Kong, with Tokyo closed for a holiday.
Oil Pares Weekly Gain as US-Iran Diplomatic Wrangling Continues
Oil pared a second weekly gain after Iran responded to the latest US amendments on plans to end the war in the Middle East. 7fp8yriu}y]w2dp}(oukm])7_media_dl_1.png Nymex (Bloomberg) — Oil pared a second weekly gain after Iran responded to the latest US amendments on plans to end the war in the Middle East.
Oil Holds Weekly Gain as Trump Says Iran Blockade Is Working
(Bloomberg) -- Oil held its second weekly gain as US President Donald Trump said he was sticking with a naval blockade of Iranian ports, elevating concerns the vital Strait of Hormuz would not reopen anytime soon. Brent for July rose above $111 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was near $106 — up 12% this week.
El petróleo mantiene ganancias semanales mientras Trump dice que el bloqueo a Irán está funcionando
El Brent se acercó a los 110 dólares, impulsado por la tensión en el estrecho de Ormuz (EFE) El petróleo se mantuvo su segunda ganancia semanal después de que el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump afirmara que mantendría el bloqueo naval a los puertos iraníes, lo que aumentó la preocupación de que el estrecho vital de Ormuz no se reabra pronto.
Asia open clouded by US stock slide on AI worries
Asia stocks expected subdued start amid US tech-led selloff over AI concerns. OpenAI's failure raises doubts about massive spending in artificial intelligence. Tech earnings largely shielded from war (April 29) : Stocks in Asia are set for a subdued start after a tech-led selloff dragged down US benchmarks, as doubts resurface over whether massive spending in artificial intelligence will pay off — just as traders brace for a wave of megacap earnings.
Los futuros de las acciones en EE.UU. suben y el petróleo cae ante la tregua en Irán
Bloomberg — Los futuros de los índices bursátiles estadounidenses subieron y el dólar bajó ligeramente después de que el presidente Donald Trump dijera que extendería el alto el fuego con Irán, lo que generó un cauto optimismo entre los inversores. Los contratos para el índice S&P 500 ganaron un 0,5%, apuntando a un repunte del indicador subyacente después de que cayera por segunda sesión consecutiva el martes en medio de la incertidumbre sobre una nueva ronda de conversaciones entre EE.UU.
US stock futures rise as Trump extends Iran truce Original
Rob Verdonck / BloombergWed, Apr 22, 2026 • 06:53 AM GMT+08 • • 2 min read The extended Iranian ceasefire lifts market sentiment. Stock indices in Asia show gains, reflecting optimism over diplomatic progress. Follow us on Facebook and join our Telegram channel for the latest updates. (April 22) : US stock futures climbed after President Donald Trump said he’s extending the ceasefire deal with Iran until talks conclude. Oil held a two-day gain. Contracts for the S&P 500 gained 0.4% in early trading.
Asian stocks to track US rally on Iran peace push
Asian stocks expected higher as S&P 500 nears record; peace talks optimism boosts markets despite US crude rising after Tuesday's drop. (April 15) : Stocks in Asia are set to open higher after the S&P 500 rallied to near a fresh record, as optimism around further peace talks between the US and Iran pushed down oil prices.
Asian stocks set to track US rally on Iran hopes
Asian stocks expected to rise as Wall Street rallies on hopes for Iran war resolution. Equity futures show Sydney and Tokyo opening 1% higher; S&P up significantly. (April 1) : Stocks in Asia are poised to track a euphoric Wall Street rally on hopes that the war that’s jolted global markets and disrupted energy supplies may be nearing a conclusion. Equity futures indicate Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong will open at least 1% higher.
Oil falls, US stock futures climb on Iran hopes
Oil prices dropped amid reports of US proposals for a ceasefire in Iran. S&P500 futures rose after the index closed only slightly lower, reflecting market optimism on Middle East peace talks. (March 25) : Oil fell and US equity futures climbed as optimism grew over Washington’s efforts to end the nearly month-long Middle East conflict.
Woodside Energy Confirms Liz Westcott as New Chief Executive
Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Australia’s biggest natural gas producer, Woodside Energy Group Ltd., appointed Liz Westcott as chief executive officer, replacing Meg O’Neill, who took the top job at BP Plc last year.
Asian stocks poised for gains, oil swings higher
Asian stocks expected to open higher as equity futures point toward modest gains in Sydney, Hong Kong.Oil rose over 5% after a steep drop on Tuesday amid Trump administration's Iran war comments. (March 11) : Oil climbed at the start of trading, recouping part of its steepest one-day slide in four years, as uncertainty over the outlook for crude supplies continues to rattle markets. Asian stocks are set to open higher.
Oil Swings Higher, Asian Stocks Poised for Gains: Markets Wrap
5 hours ago Key Takeaways Online income isn’t reserved for influencers, extroverts or people willing to post their entire lives for engagement. • Through freelancing and tech UGC, you can get paid for your skills, reliability and usefulness — not your popularity or social media presence. • Quiet, behind-the-scenes …
Las acciones asiáticas suben tras el repunte tecnológico en EE.UU.
Bloomberg — Las acciones asiáticas abrieron al alza después de que un repunte en las acciones tecnológicas impulsara los índices de referencia de Wall Street, moderando la preocupación sobre los efectos disruptivos de la inteligencia artificial que habían sacudido los mercados durante semanas. Las acciones abrieron al alza en Japón, Corea del Sur y Australia, ayudando al índice MSCI Asia Pacífico a extender su avance a un tercer día.
Asian Stocks Poised to Track US Tech-Led Rebound: Markets Wrap
With his tariff plan in tatters, Trump vows ‘to do absolutely terrible things to foreign countries … in a much more powerful and obnoxious way’ The S&P 500 lost 1.04% yesterday as the VIX “fear index” for volatility spiked 10%, but futures were up 0.16% this morning, suggesting traders may be …
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Rob
Contact Rob, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack