Category Archives: Macroeconomy

Ironic that Trump may just be the shock financial markets needed

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The election of Donald Trump as US President is undoubtedly a huge shock to global financial markets. Even though it is highly uncertain what policies he will ultimately adopt and can get passed by Congress, it is highly probable he … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Better Living through Economics – upcoming presentation at UQ

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Economists have made immense contributions to people’s wellbeing over the last fifty years. An Australian example that comes to mind is the instrumental role economists played in advocating for and designing microeconomic reforms, including tariff reductions, privatisations and the deregulation … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

SUV sales over-taking passenger vehicle sales in Qld

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Gene Tunny

As SUVs have become the new family car, and many millennials are living in inner cities and relying on public transport, walking or cycling, SUVs have steadily increased their share of new motor vehicle sales, and now SUV sales exceed … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Qld should benefit from strong economic performance in NSW and Victoria

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The August job vacancies data released by the ABS yesterday confirm the strong economic performance we are seeing in NSW and Victoria, and they also show encouraging signs for Queensland (see charts below). Given national markets and the linkages between … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy, North Queensland, Townsville, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Treasury dumps wellbeing framework & defines principal objectives around Budget, productivity and globalisation

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Of the many outstanding contributions that former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry made to public policy in Australia, one of my favourites was the wellbeing framework. This framework established Treasury’s goal as improving the wellbeing of Australians, and identified five elements … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry policy, Labour market, Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Upcoming lecture on whether Australia should have a Royal Commission into banking

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Last month in Perth, at the WA Local Government Association Convention, I was lucky enough to hear a speech by former Australian Chief of Army David Morrison, in which he asked what comes to mind when you hear the words … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Good news for the economy as Qld businesses increase investment in machinery & equipment

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Despite having some weak regional economies, particularly in the Townsville and Queensland outback regions, the State economy overall recorded reasonably healthy growth in State Final Demand in the June quarter of 0.7 percent in seasonally adjusted terms. This is very … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Mining, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Recommended reading: Matchmakers

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Gene Tunny

It was reported in yesterday’s Sunday-Mail (24 July, p. 21) that “Baby boomers are increasingly turning to Uber, Airbnb and eBay to boost their retirement income because of stockmarket falls and minuscule bank interest rates.” That is, they are participating … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy, Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HILDA reveals very wealthy Canberra households, while Queenslanders much less wealthy

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The relatively high salaries of Canberra public servants are allowing them to build up healthy asset portfolios, while average Queenslanders are much less wealthy, according to the University of Melbourne’s Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Australia Survey, the latest report … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Labour market, Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

IR reforms could improve employment opportunities for young Australians

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Almost eight years after the 2008 financial crisis, young Australians still face a significantly tougher job market than before the crisis. To illustrate, the employment-to-population ratio for young Australians aged 15 to 24 remains well below rates experienced prior to … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments