Did you get a whiff of some banks overseas being in trouble and then see sharemarkets react? This episode explains what's going on and why investors get jittery. Plus, what does it mean for Australia's banks and economy. We take a look at the nation's productivity and why it's on the agenda. Is it possible to work any harder, what's getting in the way of being more productive and what happens if we don't. Plus, the February unemployment figure is out - it's back at a record low, so will that mean a rate hike or is a PAUSE still on the cards at the next Reserve Bank Board meeting. CommBank Seni ..read more

Did you think when the Reserve Bank started lifting rates in May last year - we'd have 10 in a row? This episode of Making Money Easy dives into the March hike, how economists feel about the multiple lifts and what did the the RBA Governor mean exactly when he said 'we are closer to the point where it will be appropriate to pause interest rate increases to allow more time to assess the state of the economy.' We dive into data from Australia's biggest bank to see how customers are doing and find out what ELSE is going on in the economy that's worth knowing about BESIDES interest rates. Think po ..read more

The March Reserve Bank Board meeting is upon us - so what economic data is going to be KEY to its decision on interest rates? This episode examines what's at play, from economic growth and retail spending to household savings, building approvals and monthly CPI. It's a passionate discussion as we get 'deep and meaningful' about the economy and why people are still spending. Plus we ask, and try to answer, if we've managed to 'build back better' post COVID. Whatever happens - the economy is at a 'crunch point' - so is a recession coming or not? Impact Economics Lead Economist Angela Jackson and ..read more

Plenty of big companies have released their company's results in the past 7 days, giving a useful insight into the behaviour of consumers. From the big supermarkets, to takeaway chains and airlines - what are we up to when it comes to spending? And how does that impact inflation and future rate rises? Plus, want to know what's going on with your wage and earnings? We've got that data too. And we explain why your wage not keeping up with the surging cost of living right now, is a positive. We take a look at why superannuation is on the radar, and some STARTLING figures about the more than a mil ..read more

Nine months in a row of interest rate hikes. We've got the lowdown on why the Reserve Bank isn't shying away from making plenty of households uncomfortable while it tries to bring down high inflation. We explain why the RBA is ok with that, and where to look to see if the multiple rate rises (and the upcoming ones) are working. Plus, there's an update on unemployment on Thursday. The labour market is really tight - how will what happens impact the next RBA decision. We dive into what would be the RBA's nightmare scenario. Also what are the chances of receision and will you feel it? Peter Munck ..read more

The RBA is about to have its first meeting of 2023. This episode of Making Money Easy uses the latest economic data to explain what will happen on Tuesday and how it'll be felt by households, consumers and businesses. Plus, find out where the economists expect interest rates to be by the middle of the year. Also, did you know the price of 76% of your day to day goods are moving up too quickly - hear what that means for YOU, what relief is ahead, and why there are signs inflation may have peaked. Plus a pep talk for consumers and there's something for SAVERS. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbr ..read more

This may be the last episode of Making Money Easy for the 2022 but there's still plenty of economic data to pick apart. The latest unemployment figures, what older workers are up to, Australia's latest population figures and the Federal Government's plan to keep energy prices lower. Plus we reveal the states where the most people are moving to, and why you need to keep your eyes wide open in 2023. Also the topic on everyone's minds - what will the Reserve Bank do with all this data at its first board meeting next year. Bank of Queensland Chief Economist Peter Munckton and St. George Bank Senio ..read more

Yes we pick apart the latest interest rates decision by the Reserve Bank but as we wrap up the year ...what's over the horizon in 2023? My economists in this episode of Making Money Easy have an idea. Plus what's going on with the savings buffers of Australian households - we've got the latest data. We reveal if the economy is growing or not. And what's going on with the price of coal? How is it helping the Federal Budget's bottom line and how long will it last as we transition to net zero. There's plenty to learn about how the latest economic movements impact YOU. Independent Economist Nicki ..read more

There’s a lot of good data informing out interest rate crystal ball this week. Monthly inflation data has turned slightly lower and the latest retail spending figures show consumers are starting to open their wallets less. There’s a chance the Reserve Bank is about to hit pause on interest rates rises after multiple hikes since May. Mortgage holders will be cheering, savers will be wanting them to keep going. But inflation is still VERY high, so why would the RBA stop? One of the economists this episode thinks, the RBA doesn’t want its fingerprints on a 2023 Australian recession. We also find ..read more

You might want a wage rise right now but the Reserve Bank Governor is rejecting the idea for the sake of the economy. So is he on the money and how realistic are his expectations of Australians to stop asking for one, to help stop rising inflation? The bigger question is what will inflation look like in the future? My economists this episode have some really good insights AND on the impact of climate change on rising prices as the world transitions. Plus - we consider the sort of Christmas present the RBA is considering giving to consumers at its last board meeting of the year. Lead Econo ..read more