Economics is confusing at the best of times. But, at the moment, it’s downright counter-intuitive. Inflation is at its highest in decades, and we’re feeling the pain of the lower real wages that brings. Meanwhile, unemployment is its lowest in half a century, with virtually anyone who wants a job able to get one. Interest…
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When Russia invaded Ukraine, vital grain export routes shut down in Ukraine’s Port of Odesa—causing global food prices to soar. Since then, energy markets have been disrupted, leading European heating costs to skyrocket. Meanwhile, global inflation is high, and central banks around the world are raising interest rates in response to rising price pressures. This…
Michael and Karen moved from Melbourne to Castlemaine, about 130km northwest of Victoria’s capital, in mid-2020 – using, like tens of thousands of Australians, the shift to remote work to make a larger lifestyle change. They sold the small two-room inner-urban apartment they had bought in 2018 and bought a large three-bedroom home on a…
Jim Chalmers’ first speech as treasurer outlines the enormity of the global economic situation – inflation, energy and supply chain issues, and a continuing war in Europe – and signposts that this is a budget that’s much more about what he’s taking away (or reallocating) than new announcements. It’s not often we get two budgets…
The 2021 Census revealed that Millennials were about to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest generational group in Australia. In 2021, Millennials were aged 25-39 years. This age cohort is commonly associated with key life transitions such as completing studies, establishing relationships, marriage, having children and purchasing a home. The characteristics of generations are shaped…
Jim Chalmers is a wily operator. Ahead of delivering his first budget next Tuesday, he has given himself room to do the things a treasurer needs to do. For a while, his predecessor Josh Frydenberg denied himself that room. In his first budget as treasurer under Scott Morrison ahead of the 2019 election, Frydenberg promised…
We are betting that if you are reading this, you have some kind of insurance: maybe for your car, your house, your fur baby, or your health. But have you ever stopped to think about what it is, how it works, and if it is even worth it? Let’s start at the beginning – what…
The Bureau of Statistics has just released a new set of data from the 2021 census. The first set – released in June 2022 – covered topics including age, sex, religion, unpaid work and country of birth. The second set, released recently, provides insights into the kinds of jobs Australians have (and if they have…
The recent release of 2021 Census data revealed a shocking “one million homes were unoccupied”. This statistic sent housing commentators, government agencies and policymakers into a spin. At a time of significant housing shortages, these extra million homes would surely make a big difference. They could provide housing for some homeless, ease the rental affordability…
Global stock markets are tanking on fears of recessions in the US, the UK and Europe, and the OECD is actually forecasting recessions in Europe. So is recession now inevitable in Australia? Not at all. The good news is there are several reasons to think Australia might be able to escape a global slide into…
