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Economics

Chief economist update: It's the money, stupid

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 29 OCT 2019
The S&P 500 Index closed at a new all-time high overnight on the back of bullish headlines. At the same time, the probability of a US recession in 12 months' time has dropped from a 12-year high. But why?

Chief economist update: Is the A$ becoming a safe-haven currency?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 28 OCT 2019
Like the Japanese yen, is the Australian dollar becoming a safe-haven currency?

Chief economist update: Beam us up Scotty

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 25 OCT 2019
Latest survey data disprove Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe's optimism that "a gentle turning point appears to have been reached".

Chief economist update: Oil to slide into 2020

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 24 OCT 2019
The IMF estimates that crude oil prices would drop by 9.6% this year from an average price of US$68.33 per barrel in 2018 to US$61.78 this year and by another 6.2% to US$57.94 in 2020.

Another winter of Australian discontent

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 23 OCT 2019
It would be the winter of discontent for Australia's agriculture sector if Rabobank's latest 'Australian Winter Crop Outlook' report is any guide.

No room for policy mistakes

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 22 OCT 2019
This widespread deceleration means that growth this year will fall to its lowest rate since the beginning of the decade, says IMF's new head.

Chief economist update: Rate cuts coming, but not on race day

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 21 OCT 2019
Unless a positive shock emerges over the next few months, expect the RBA to continue lowering interest rates and the Morrison government to increase fiscal spending (but only after it's achieved having the Budget surplus immortalised on paper).

RBA downplays likelihood of further rate cuts

ELIZA BAVIN  |  FRIDAY, 18 OCT 2019
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has told a forum at the International Monetary Fund that Australia's economy is set to "return to trend growth" next year.

RBA blames lack of demand in property downturn

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 17 OCT 2019
Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle said despite historically low interest rates and a rise in loan approvals, turnover in the housing market remains low.

IMF predicts bleak Australian outlook

ELIZA BAVIN  |  WEDNESDAY, 16 OCT 2019
The International Monetary Fund has predicted Australia's economy will weaken a full percentage point in 2019 down to 1.7% growth from 2.7% last year.