The Economy, Stupid
Business & Finance
About
Formerly The Money, The Economy, Stupid is your weekly guide to the world of business, economics and finance. Every Thursday, economist Peter Martin is joined by a team of sharp young thinkers for a fresh conversation about the financial stories making headlines and how they might affect you.
Episodes
- Interest rate rises are designed to hurt. But how much is too much?
RBA governor Michele Bullock announced a third consecutive interest rate rise. This episode discusses the impact of these rises and whether there is an alternative approach.
- Inflation’s jumped again - is another rate rise coming?
This episode discusses the recent surge in inflation due to high fuel prices, energy costs, and global instability. It explores the possibility of another interest rate hike and its effects on households, interest rates, wages, and employm…
- Australian gas is booming. But who benefits?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid examines Australia's booming natural gas industry. It questions whether Australians are truly benefiting from the global demand for their natural gas resources.
- Why we still can’t quit petrol even as prices soar
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses why Australians continue to purchase petrol frequently, despite rising prices and increased use of public transport and electric vehicles. It examines the inelasticity of fuel demand and the fa…
- What could be in the budget?
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" explores potential inclusions in the upcoming budget, considering the context of a current crisis. Guests Tom Crowley, an ABC economics reporter, and Bob Breunig, a tax expert, contribute to the discus…
- Australia’s baby bust: what happens when a nation stops replacing itself?
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" examines Australia's declining birth rate and its societal impact. It discusses how fewer births and an aging population could affect areas such as innovation and taxation.
- Stagflation is about to push unemployment higher: here's what to expect
This episode discusses stagflation, an economic phenomenon where both inflation and unemployment increase. It examines historical instances, such as the 1970s, and considers current global economic conditions.
- Did the RBA just choose recession?
The Reserve Bank of Australia
- Navigating a global energy crisis
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses the global oil crisis, examining its impact on food security and national defense. The discussion explores potential future developments.
- War boosts GDP. But should it?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses how war can increase GDP, prompting a question about the true meaning of economic progress as measured by GDP.
- WA’s Special Deal: Fair Reward or Billion‑Dollar Rort?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses Western Australia's unique billion-dollar funding deal and whether it constitutes a fair reward or a rort. The arrangement, under review since 2019, has Western Australia advocating for its con…
- The Most Explosive Tax Debate in Australia Is Back
This episode of The Economy, Stupid focuses on Australia's capital gains tax. It covers the ongoing debate about the tax discount, its political history, and the current inquiry, examining its economic and social implications.
- A Carbon Tax Comeback?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid features a discussion on a proposed carbon pricing model by the Superpower Institute. The model aims to address Australia's budget deficit and emissions targets. The episode questions whether Australia i…
- Will this be the last rate hike?
This episode discusses the recent Reserve Bank interest rate hike and its immediate impact on mortgage holders. It examines potential reasons for the hike, including inflation concerns, and considers the broader implications for employment…
- Interest rates set to rise: what does that mean for you?
This episode discusses the impending rise in interest rates by the Reserve Bank and its potential impact on mortgages, including an estimated increase of $90 per month on a typical $600,000 mortgage. It explores the financial implications…
- Will house prices go up in 2026?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid explores predictions for the housing market in 2026. Guests Amy Auster and Ben Phillips discuss what may be in store for house prices.
- The price of mental illness
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses the cost and challenges within Australia's mental health system. It explores potential solutions for improvement.
- What would it take to house a nation?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses the Australian housing market and whether it is too late to reverse current trends. It examines the difficulties in achieving the Australian housing dream.
- Could we really become a superpower?
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" explores the concept of Australia becoming a clean-energy superpower. Economists discuss the feasibility and the steps required for this transformation.
- Why we don’t shop around (and why companies count on it)
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" discusses consumer shopping habits, specifically why people might not shop around for better deals. It also examines how companies leverage this consumer behavior for their benefit.
- Superannuation: Are We Saving More Than We Need?
This episode discusses whether Australians are saving more than necessary through superannuation. It explores the financial habits of retirees and the potential beneficiaries of over-saving.
- Every revolution starts with a bubble. AI is no different
This episode discusses how economic bubbles, though they burst, often lead to a better world. It explores whether the same can be hoped for the current AI trend.
- The 'weird' number running the country
This episode of The Economy, Stupid explores the relevance of GDP in representing Australian life.
- Is corporate social responsibility dead?
This episode discusses the current crisis in corporate social responsibility, citing examples such as sunscreen recalls and tech overreach. The discussion centers on the challenges facing the corporate social contract.
- How COVID changed Australian jobs
This episode of The Economy, Stupid examines how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Australian job market. It covers the initial shock, the subsequent rebound, and the resulting changes in work.
- An Uninsurable Future
This episode discusses how floods, fires, and spiraling premiums are making insurance unaffordable for millions of Australians. It questions the viability of the current insurance system.
- But what if the AI bubble doesn’t burst?
This episode discusses the Reserve Bank pausing rate cuts amidst rising uncertainty, while investors are heavily investing in AI. The potential consequences of this AI investment for jobs, markets, and society are explored.
- Why the official inflation rate feels wrong
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses the divergence between the official inflation rate of 3.2% and the higher inflation experiences of many individuals.
- Australia is 'freaking amazing' - will that last?
This episode of 'The Economy, Stupid' explores Australia's economic success story and the resilience of its institutions in an uncertain world.
- 'Sexually transmitted tax debt'
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses sexually transmitted tax debt, focusing on hidden debts, coercive control, and the tax system's impact on individuals in need of help.
- The great Australian wealth gap
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses the great Australian wealth gap, examining how the rich continue to accumulate wealth while many are falling behind. It explores the implications of this growing disparity.
- Superannuation: Are We Saving More Than We Need?
This episode explores the question of whether Australians are saving too much in superannuation and who benefits from this trend. It examines the observation that most Australians die with more money than they retired with.
- Each Generation Better Off?
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" discusses national wellbeing data in Australia, examining whether each generation is better off than the last in terms of prosperity, health, and safety.
- Australia's 2035 Climate Target: Economic Hit or Miss?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses Australia's 2035 climate target. It explores whether the government's approach is sensible politics or a missed economic opportunity.
- When Trade Wars Hit Home
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" examines how new U.S. trade barriers are affecting daily life, from increased postage costs to challenges for small business exports. It discusses the potential impacts of these disruptions.
- The Economy is Growing - But Will You Be Better Off?
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" discusses Australia's climbing GDP and examines whether this economic growth will lead to individual financial improvement or a better quality of life.
- Can We Really Trust the Banks Again?
This episode discusses how banks recovered their reputation following the Royal Commission's revelations of misconduct. It examines whether public trust in these institutions can be re-established.
- Why Has Australia's Economic Progress Stalled?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses why Australia's economic progress has stalled. It explores the reasons behind the country's slowed advancement after decades of forward movement.
- Who Should Pay More Tax in Australia?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses Australia's shrinking tax base. It considers who should bear a greater tax burden: workers, wealthy retirees, or big businesses, as warned by the Treasury.
- How $1 Billion in Retirement Savings Vanished
This episode of The Economy, Stupid investigates the largest superannuation scandal in Australian history, analyzing how $1 billion in retirement savings vanished and discussing who was responsible.
- Inflation is down, so why is uncertainty rising?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid explores why Australians are experiencing increased economic uncertainty even though inflation is decreasing and employment remains high. It investigates the reasons behind the prevalent feeling of uneas…
- The End of Cash?
This episode discusses Australia's cash system, the costs associated with it, and the potential for a cashless society. It examines who bears the financial burden of keeping cash alive and the current proximity to the end of physical curre…
- What's With Trump and Tariffs?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid examines Donald Trump's views on trade and tariffs, and their implications for global politics. It explores the disconnect between economic orthodoxy and public sentiment regarding international trade.
- A divided RBA
This episode of "The Economy, Stupid" discusses the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to keep interest rates on hold, a move that revealed a split among the board members. Six members voted to hold rates, while three voted to cut them,…
- Won't Somebody Think of the Millionaires?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid discusses Australians who earn over $1 million yet pay no tax. It explores the current tax rules and considers whether changes are needed.
- How To Fix Tax?
This episode of The Economy, Stupid explores potential solutions for the tax system. Guests Miranda Stewart and Ben Phillips share their insights on the topic.
- Can We Build It? Embracing Abundance
Treasurer Jim Chalmers explores themes from Ezra Klein's book, Abundance, and discusses potential productivity measures. The episode also examines the proposed acquisition of Santos by a UAE investment entity and the implications of the GS…
- Productivity, Climate and a Room Full of Ideas
This episode discusses Australia\'s efforts to address productivity stagnation and updated climate targets. It references historical economic summits and the current government\'s approach to these issues.
- Wages are up, GDP growth is down, what’s going on
This episode of The Economy, Stupid examines the current economic landscape, focusing on the relationship between GDP growth, wage increases, and inflation. It also considers the implications for the future of employment.
- How to spot the tricks suppliers use to stop us getting a better deal
This episode of The Economy, Stupid explores the challenges consumers face in getting better deals due to supplier tactics, following advice from the Australian Energy Regulator to shop around for energy.