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Economics

Chief economist update: It's Christmas time in the city

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 9 DEC 2019
Not only do US consumers have jobs to back up their optimism and spending, they also feel richer.

Chief economist update: A penny saved, a penny not earned by the economy

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 6 DEC 2019
While it's easy for the government and RBA to coax Australians to go forth and spend, the reality of everyone's financial situation calls for every penny earned to be saved.

Chief economist update: Australian economy gently turning which way?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 5 DEC 2019
Australia's economic growth accelerated to 1.7% in the year to the September quarter from 1.6% in the June quarter, justifying RBA governor Philip Lowe's oft-repeated claim that "the Australian economy appears to have reached a gentle turning point".

Chief economist update: The Grinch steals Christmas

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 4 DEC 2019
It may be Trump's ploy to get whichever country is on the other side of the table to give in to his demands. But the certainty of Trump's uncertainty means that financial markets and businesses are forever second-guessing his next move or tweet.

Chief economist update: Bah humbug

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 3 DEC 2019
The recent rally in equity markets made it appear that Santa Claus had already come to town until Trump's latest salvo on trade.

Chief economist update: Chinese green shoots?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 2 DEC 2019
Are we seeing green shoots in the Chinese economy, fertilised and watered by government and central bank stimulus packages?

Chief economist update: Lower rates still fail to animate

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 29 NOV 2019
"I've allowed the horse to come to the water with cheap funding. I can't make it drink."

Chief economist update: Weaker yen strengthening Japan

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 28 NOV 2019
Apart from underwriting improved growth in the Japanese economy, the yen's depreciation should help in the Bank of Japan's efforts to bring inflation up to its 2% target.

Chief economist update: As low as Lowe will go

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 27 NOV 2019
The RBA's growth and inflation forecasts and the Taylor Rule calls for just one more rate cut next year.

Chief economist update: Let's talk about debt

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 26 NOV 2019
In trying to look "fiscally responsible", the Morrison government is encouraging households to borrow and spend to boost economic activity and growth. After all, interest rates are at record lows.