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Economics

Chief economist update: Could COVID-19 dissenters be correct?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 4 AUG 2020
Sweden's response to COVID-19 is a conspiracy theorist's dream, keeping retail and restaurants open along with many schools. But, at home, the more anti-whatever protesters dig their heels in, the longer Australia gets to heal... with far worse consequences.

Chief economist update: It's about human life, not human rights

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 3 AUG 2020
Recent developments in Victoria would result in lower national economic growth, higher unemployment and a bigger budget deficit.

Chief economist update: A tiny bug takes down the largest economy

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 31 JUL 2020
No matter how you slice or dice it, the latest US National Accounts are the worst we've seen and will likely ever see in our lifetime.

Banking crisis more likely in conflicted countries: IMF

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 30 JUL 2020
The odds of a country suffering a banking crisis are 2.5 times higher if it is affected by a conflict, according to research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Financial comfort reliant on fiscal support: ME Bank

ANNABELLE DICKSON  |  THURSDAY, 30 JUL 2020
Australian household financial comfort increased to near record highs throughout the pandemic as a result of government fiscal stimulus measures, according to ME Bank's latest Household Financial Comfort Report.

Chief economist update: Cheaper prices not a bargain

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 30 JUL 2020
It may seem counterintuitive but falling prices are bad news for the economy - any economy.

Chief economist update: Gold 2000

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 29 JUL 2020
The price of gold has now soared to a new high of US$1,964.05/ounce and sparking speculations for a break above the US$2000 mark.

Tasmania leads the nation: CommSec

ALLY SELBY  |  TUESDAY, 28 JUL 2020
For the first time since October 2009, Tasmania has taken out CommSec's top gong as the best performing economy in its own right.

Chief economist update: No Karens in China

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 28 JUL 2020
The difference between Australia and China, my friends, is there are no selfish, stupid "Karens" in China. It's been criticised as aggressive and draconian, but China's response to COVID-19 continues to bear dividends.

Chief economist update: Second wave comes to Japan

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 27 JUL 2020
Australia is currently in the midst of it, now the second wave looks like it's hit Japan.