CommBank View: Economics & Markets

Joseph Capurso and Carol Kong discuss the top influences on currency markets this week including the US non-farm payrolls, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy meeting and Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership race.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonw...

In this week's podcast, economists Harry Ottley, Belinda Allen and Trent Saunders discuss the stronger-than-expected August Monthly CPI and its implications for the RBA.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the B...

Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss the top influences on currency markets this week including the US PCE deflator and Australia’s CPI indicator.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).  Before liste...

Belinda Allen and Harry Ottley discuss August’s Labor Force data, which showed steady unemployment at 4.2% but softer employment and participation. They explore implications for the RBA, population growth normalising faster than expected, and what that means for labour supply. Looking ahead, they preview the August CPI indicator, expecting a slight easing to 2.7%, and highlight market services inf...

It’s a huge week for currency markets, with four major central bank meetings — the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Canada.  Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss their expectations for each central bank and the potential impact on currency markets.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic &amp...

Harry Ottley and Belinda Allen break down the latest Aussie economic data, including consumer spending and sentiment trends, business surveys, and the crucial shift from non-market to market sector jobs. They discuss why the unemployment rate is expected to rise only modestly, the risks if the market sector can’t absorb slack, and what it all means for interest rates and Australia’s economic outlo...

Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss the top drivers of currency markets this week.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).  Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR di...

In this episode of the CommBank Global Economic and Markets Research Aussie Weekly podcast, Harry Ottley and Belinda Allen unpack a data-heavy week for the Australian economy. They dive into the stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP figures, the evolving handover from public to private sector-led growth, and what it means for the RBA’s rate outlook. The pair also explore July’s household spending data, ri...

Joseph Capurso and Carol Kong discuss the top influences on currency markets this week including the US non-farm payrolls, comments by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s officials and Japan’s labour cash earnings.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Austra...

This week Belinda Allen wraps up the surprise CPI result for July and unpacks the RBA Board Meeting Minutes for August. June quarter GDP is released next week and Belinda discusses where the drivers and the number sits before the rest of the partial data.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business...

Kristina Clifton and Samara Hammoud discuss the top influences on currency markets this week including a modest unwound on recent Australian dollar strength, the Australian CPI and Canadian GDP.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 1...

This week, economists Belinda Allen and Harry Ottley discuss some positive signs for the Australian consumer and preview a fairly quiet week ahead. Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).  Before listening...

Carol Kong and Samara Hammoud unpack the latest trends in government debt across advanced economies. From the US and Japan to Australia and Europe, they explore what’s driving rising budget deficits, how markets are reacting, and whether current debt levels are sustainable.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (...

Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss the top 3 drivers of currencies this week including Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s speech, CPI inflation data and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand interest rate announcement.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Aust...

The RBA cut the cash rate by 25bp to 3.60% this week. In today's podcast, Senior Economist Belinda Allen and Economist Harry Ottley discuss the decision and dissect the key labour market data that was out this week. They also cover off the CommBank HSI which is showing some green shoots for consumer spending.     ------ DISCLAIMER ------  Important Information    This podcast is approved and distr...

Kristina Clifton and Samara Hammoud discuss the top influences on currency markets this week including the US CPI, RBA decision and Australian and UK labour market data.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the B...

With a 25bp cut from the RBA all but locked in, CBA Senior Economist Belinda Allen and Economist Harry Ottley break down what’s driving the decision. They unpack this week’s data, including signs of life in household spending and Australia’s strong position in the global trade war. Plus, a look ahead to next week’s key labour market releases—the Q2 25 Wage Price Index and the June Labour Force Sur...

Joe Capurso and Samara Hammoud discuss the key influences on currencies this week including the July US jobs report, tariffs announced on 1 August, and the Bank of England’s July monetary policy decision.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN...

The much-anticipated Q2 2025 CPI data is in, and the news is very positive for both the inflation outlook and the prospect of further interest rate cuts. CBA Senior Economist Belinda Allen and Economist Harry Ottley explain why the data effectively rubber-stamps a rate cut in August. They also unpack a range of other economic releases, including the final ever retail trade report. ------ DISCLAIME...

Kristina Clifton and Samara Hammoud discuss the top three influences on currency markets this week include tariff news, three central bank announcements and the Australian CPI.   Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945...

In this episode, economist Harry Ottley discusses the communication from RBA this week and previews the all important Q2 25 CPI data due next week.  ------ DISCLAIMER ------  Important Information    This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).   Be...

Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss the top influences affecting currency markets this week including the US-led tariff war, the European Central Bank policy meeting and Japan’s upper house election.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN...

The main talking point this week was the Australian labour market after the labour force survey weakened in June. Economists Harry Ottley and Belinda Allen talk through the data and what it means for the RBA going forward.  ------ DISCLAIMER ------  Important Information    This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commo...

Kristina Clifton and Carol Kong discuss the top influences affecting currency markets this week including the US-led tariff war, the US June CPI report and China’s monthly economic activity data.    Disclaimer:    Important Information   This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123...

The big news this week was a surprise on hold decision from the RBA. Economists Belinda Allen and Harry Ottley run through the decision, and why it was such a shock. They also review the CommBank HSI data and preview the labour force survey due next week.    ------ DISCLAIMER ------  Important Information    This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”...