The latest cost of living figures for September 15 show retiree costs jumped with power and insurance premiums higher. Almost half of Australians renting in share houses are at least 40 years old. International petrol price jumps set off protests in several countries. In Syria, soaring prices led to the most widespread demonstrations since Assad fell.

Australia is under economic pressure with worldwide trade rules falling apart, according to Nine.com.au. A Guardian report said the Iran war cost the United States $38 billion and exhausted its missile inventory.