Oil prices sink on 'fear of recession', ASX struggles as Australian dollar hits two-year low
ABCRenewed worries about a global recession have led to sharp falls in the Australian dollar, commodity prices, and global markets. Key points: The ASX 200 has fallen by 11pc since the year began US crude oil dropped below $US100 a barrel The euro sank to its lowest level in almost 20 years Oil prices were hit hardest, plunging by around 9 per cent overnight, on fears that an economic downturn and the prospect of more lockdowns in China will hurt demand. "According to our commodity strategists, key Australian commodity prices can fall by around 40 per cent at the end of 2023," said Commonwealth Bank currency strategist Carol Kong. Meanwhile the US dollar index, which measures America's currency against a group of major currencies, jumped 1.4 per cent, after hitting its highest level since December 2002. European markets dropped 2.1 per cent as soaring energy prices stoked inflation worries, while the euro sank on recession concerns.