Your window into Australia's economic, political, and social pulse.

Oz Econ Pulse: Peter Dutton, Tradie shortage, Donald-25 mind virus, and Economists against tariffs

No doubt many of you are still enjoying a long Easter/ANZAC Day break, but for those of you pining for some economic news, here are a few bits of interest that caught my eye this week—starting with my comprehensive essay on Peter Dutton. Peter Dutton is a man

The man without a plan

Peter Dutton's constant backflips reveal a politician adrift, lacking both vision and the resolve to differentiate himself from Anthony Albanese.

Oz Econ Pulse: Housing policy, Albo's record, Election flop, Why pollies don't reform

This is the first of what I intend to become a regular Oz Econ Pulse, a free roundup of the economic, political, and social trends that impact Australia. Normally I'd send it out on a Friday or Saturday but with the Easter break this is a short week,

The tragedy of Albanese

Once brimming with promise, the Albanese government has stumbled through a cost-of-living crisis, divided the nation with polarising politics, and embraced ideological economic experiments, leaving Australia weaker, less competitive, and saddled with debt.

Dumb and dumber housing policy

Both major parties are set to throw cash at first home buyers, which in Australia's choked housing market, will bid up prices and unleash unintended consequences.

The Trump Put lives on, A rate cut in May, Batteries for everyone, We're still reliant on luck, and Who drives in Australia

Just like that, and the tariff scare is over—or is it? Global markets rallied 5-10% yesterday because Trump, in the face of a near-certain recession and equity and bond market carnage, backed off and hit pause. So there is still a Trump Put! Markets can still discipline politicians to

Investment will suffer in the age of Trumpian uncertainty

Trump's unpredictability threatens global investment with chaos, zero-sum thinking, and rent-seeking, even if he winds back his tariffs.

Trump isn't playing 4D chess

He just really likes tariffs.

Government by AI

Did the Trump administration use AI to devise its tariffs?

Trump's Liberation Day

The US will impose a minimum 10% tariff on all of its trading partners, including Australia.

Xi Jinping's pivot

Xi Jinping's market pivot aims to resuscitate China's economy, but bloated subsidies and a global trade war might choke the recovery.

The unwanted Budget, Don't blame Alfred for inflation, Productivity not protectionism, You don't need six figures to afford rent, Dutton's dangerous idea, and Solar's Achilles' heel

Please note that I'm travelling internationally this week and will have limited access to a computer, so Aussienomics will be taking a short breather ahead of the inevitable chaos that will be the run-up to the federal election, which—if called by the end of this month—could