Inside the Economist’s Mind

In this episode, we spotlight the critical role of attention to detail in the world of economics. Through real-world examples and STAR method scenarios, we illustrate how meticulous data analysis, careful model building, and precise communication lead to reliable and impactful outcomes. We also explore why a sharp eye for detail is essential for ensuring data accuracy, avoiding costly errors, and...

In this episode, we unpack ING’s latest global economic outlook for May 2025. From trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty to shifting central bank policies, we explore why global markets are stagnating despite early-year momentum. We dive into the impact of US tariffs, revised growth forecasts for key economies, and the evolving stance of central banks on interest rates. Plus, we look at fall...

In this episode of our *Career Conversation Series*, we dive into strategies for mastering behavioral interview questions—especially for aspiring economists. We explore the value of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a clear framework for structuring impactful responses. Listeners will gain tips on researching employers, preparing tailored examples, and demonstrating adaptability...

In this episode of Inside the Economist’s Mind, we delve into the art of effectively communicating intricate economic concepts to diverse audiences. Economists often grapple with the challenge of making complex ideas accessible and engaging. We explore key strategies to enhance clarity and connection: Understanding Your Audience: Tailoring your message to the audience's knowledge level and interes...

In this episode, we delve into the vital role of analytical skills in the field of economics. Drawing from two insightful sources, we examine how economists can both showcase and sharpen their analytical thinking. Listeners will learn how to effectively respond to behavioral interview questions using the STAR method, with examples that bring real-world economic challenges to life. We also share pr...

In this episode, we explore why conflict resolution skills are essential for economists striving to excel in their careers. Drawing insights from two key sources, we break down seven critical areas—including emotional intelligence and effective communication—and show how mastering these skills enhances professional relationships and decision-making. Through practical examples using the STAR method...

In this episode of *Inside the Economist’s Mind*, we explore strategies for optimizing teamwork among economists with diverse skill sets. Effective collaboration is crucial in economic analysis, where combining varied expertise leads to more robust outcomes. We discuss the importance of clear role definition to prevent overlap and confusion, ensuring each team member understands their responsibili...

In this episode of Inside the Economist’s Mind, we delve into the art of managing tight deadlines in economic analysis. Facing pressing timelines is a common challenge for economists, and mastering time management is crucial for delivering impactful insights. We explore effective strategies to prioritize tasks, emphasizing the balance between urgency and importance. Understanding the potential imp...

Join us as we unpack the key developments in Australia's energy markets for Q1 2025. This episode offers a deep dive into the latest trends in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), exploring shifts in energy demand and supply, the growing role of renewables, and the performance of storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro. We’ll also break dow...

In this episode, we dive into the nuanced economics of housing supply, challenging the common narrative that more new construction alone can solve housing affordability. Drawing on recent academic research, we explore why the existing housing stock plays a critical—yet often overlooked—role in the market. Learn how local factors, developer behavior, and development costs shape supply responsivenes...

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of time series analysis with insights from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Learn the difference between stock and flow series, and how data collected over time is broken down into trend, seasonal, and irregular components. We’ll unpack why seasonal adjustment is key to uncovering real patterns, and dive into decomposition models—additive, multiplic...

In this episode, we dive into the Australian Government's latest guidance from the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) on using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to shape smarter, more accountable policy decisions. Discover the nine essential steps to conducting a robust CBA—from identifying policy options to valuing future impacts—and learn how to navigate common challenges like quantifying intangible effe...

In this episode, we dive into Westpac's latest analysis of global and Australian economic trends as of May 2025. We unpack the impact of US tariff policies, global market volatility, and the varied economic outlooks across regions including Australia, China, the US, and Europe. Learn about key forecasts for GDP, inflation, interest rates, and currency movements, and discover how central banks...

In this episode, we unpack the key insights from the Australian Dwelling Finance Bulletin for Q1 2025, which reveals the first major drop in dwelling finance approvals in two years. We explore the sharp decline in owner-occupier loans—especially those tied to construction—and what this signals for the broader housing market. Join us as we analyse state-level trends, possible drivers behind the len...

In this episode, we break down the April 2025 economic report from the New South Wales Treasury Corporation, focusing on the ripple effects of U.S. trade policies across global and Australian markets. Discover how tariff announcements sparked financial market volatility, drove down growth forecasts, and raised fresh recession concerns. We also explore how consumer and business confidence is shifti...

In this episode, we explore new research on how leading labor market indicators—like job advertisements, vacancies, and consumer unemployment expectations—can improve forecasts of the unemployment rate. You'll hear how combining data sources such as ABS vacancies, ANZ-Indeed job ads, and Westpac-Melbourne Institute surveys helps create a powerful summary indicator that outperforms traditional...

In this episode, we unpack the key differences between cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). You'll learn how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin operate on decentralized blockchains, why their values are so volatile, and the policy concerns they raise—from criminal use to speculative bubbles. We also explore CBDCs as a government-backed alternative, offering more stability a...

In this episode, we explore the profound economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia from 2020 to 2021. We discuss how public health restrictions triggered a sharp downturn in GDP and employment, and examine the historic scale of government and Reserve Bank interventions to stabilize the economy. As restrictions eased and vaccines rolled out, we track the path to recovery—highlighting t...

In this episode, we unpack the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009—how it began in the U.S. housing market and quickly rippled through the global financial system. We examine the key drivers, including excessive risk-taking, high leverage, and regulatory shortcomings, and trace the collapse that led to major institutional failures and a worldwide recession. We also explore the policy responses—li...

In this episode, we explore how banks operate behind the scenes—specifically how they manage the balance between funding costs and lending rates. Discover how banks source their funds through deposits and debt securities, and what drives their funding costs, from the cash rate to broader monetary policy tools. We also unpack the key factors that influence the interest rates banks charge borrowers,...

In this episode, we demystify bonds and the yield curve—two foundational concepts in financial markets. We explain what bonds are, how yields work, and why bond prices move inversely to yields. You'll also learn how the yield curve illustrates returns across different maturities and what its different shapes—normal, inverted, and flat—can reveal about economic expectations. Finally, we explore...

In this episode, we dive into the balance of payments—an essential tool for understanding a country’s economic relationship with the rest of the world. Learn how it's structured into the current account and the capital and financial account, what each component measures, and how the double-entry accounting system keeps the books balanced. We’ll also explain the role of net errors and omissions...

In this episode, we unpack the fundamentals of exchange rates and why they matter for an open, trade-driven economy like Australia. We explore key concepts including bilateral exchange rates, cross rates, and the Trade-Weighted Index (TWI). You'll also learn about the different exchange rate regimes—floating versus pegged—and how these systems influence economic stability and international tra...

Exchange rates do more than just affect your holiday budget—they shape the entire Australian economy. In this episode, we unpack how exchange rates function and why their movements matter. From influencing the prices of imports and exports to shaping inflation, employment, and economic growth, you'll learn how currency appreciation and depreciation ripple through trade, investment, and the bal...

Ever wondered why the value of the Australian dollar rises and falls? In this episode, we dive into how Australia's floating exchange rate works and the key factors that drive it—from long-term influences like interest rate differentials, commodity prices, and trade balances, to short-term pressures like global risk sentiment and market speculation. We also explore the role of the Reserve Bank...