Here come the "deals"
This isn't a trade war—it's a war on trade.
Latest
How a Spanish blackout matters for Australia
Lessons about grid stability from Iberia's 14 hours without power.
How big should Australia's cities be?
Ken Henry's answer to that question actually explains a lot.
Ten thoughts on the federal election results
Labor rides its luck, the Liberals fade, while the Teals are here to stay.
Who are the Teals?
The Teals promise fresh voices in Canberra and may hold the balance of power in the next government. But what's really on their agenda?
Does Canada's election have implications for Australia?
Peter Dutton needs a miracle.
The best case for Trump's tariffs
A tug-of-war between tariff hard-liners and pro-trade advisors leaves jittery markets waiting on Trump's next make-or-break reversal.
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.
Monetary policy
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
Deep Dives
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.
Trade
Trump isn't playing 4D chess
He just really likes tariffs.
Artificial intelligence
Government by AI
Did the Trump administration use AI to devise its tariffs?
Deep Dives
Trump's Liberation Day
The US will impose a minimum 10% tariff on all of its trading partners, including Australia.
China
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.
Budget
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
Deep Dives
The end of climate decadence
Economic reality trumps climate dreams in a world where money is no longer free.
Deep Dives
Does Australia need a DOGE?
A DOGE won't fix Australia's productivity mess—it might just sink it deeper into the muck.
Trade
The Trump Slump, Full marks for Albo, Energy prices are telling us something, and Gittins it wrong on inflation (again)
The Trump Bump has officially become the Trump Slump, with the current US administration's incessant focus on tariffs contributing to one of their greatest tailspins of all time: The crash has been uniquely American: Markets are forward-looking—they reflect investor consensus of what's likely to happen
Deep Dives
Cyclone Alfred's insurance fallout
Insurance companies aren't 'ripping off' Australians, but navigating complex market forces and inflationary pressures.
Deep Dives
Should Australia have four-year terms?
The timing of the upcoming election exposes the economic trade-offs between recurring polls and long-term policy stability.