The Dismal Science
The Australian Institute of Company Directors
Join the AICD's Chief Economist Mark Thirlwell GAICD for this weekly deep dive into the latest economic news from Australia and around the world. From interest rates to trade wars and everything in between, we have you covered.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 10, 2023 • 1h 5min
155 - The 400 blows
Another rate rise brings the total tightening to 400bps in just over a year. Add in the disappointing first quarter GDP growth and this week seemed like a tipping point for the Australian economy. Are things about to get worse before they get better? Plus, the regulators come for crypto.
Jun 2, 2023 • 31min
154 - Dancing on the ceiling
A US debt ceiling deal, a stubborn inflation number for Australia, the Chinese recovery slows and Ivan moves house.
May 26, 2023 • 49min
153 - Talking the talk
With Narendra Modi's visit to Australia, we ask if economic diplomacy actually works. Plus, the debt ceiling draws closer and the AI boom gathers steam.
May 19, 2023 • 53min
152 - Predictably rational
With the passing of Robert Lucas, the champion of rational expectations theory and one of the most influential economists of the last 50 years, we ask whether his legacy holds up. Plus, with unemployment edging up, consumer confidence down and wages continuing to disappoint, we look ahead to the RBA's June meeting.
May 12, 2023 • 36min
151 - Lucky Jim
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered the first budget surplus in 15 years, helped by the boom in jobs and commodity prices. The government has used the windfall to deliver a cost of living package targeted at the most vulnerable, but will the spending stoke inflation and prove counterproductive? Plus, the US is again facing a debt ceiling crisis and we say vale to the great Allan Gyngell AO.
May 5, 2023 • 32min
150 - Surprise!
A surprise rate rise and a surprise host on the 150th episode of the pod.
Apr 28, 2023 • 19min
149 - Past the peak
Inflation eased off in the first quarter of the year and we appear to be past the peak. So will the RBA continue to leave rates on hold next week? Plus, more on the tight rental market.
Apr 21, 2023 • 1h 10min
148 - The review is in
The review of the RBA is in. We look at what's changing, what's not changing and the critique of the bank's performance.
Apr 14, 2023 • 34min
147 - Cold comfort
The boom in jobs continues in Australia and consumer confidence is bouncing back, but does this mean another rate rise is on the horizon? Plus, US inflation, Sydney NIMBYs and the IMF's gloomy forecasts for the global economy. A rapid fire episode as Mark and Ivan both battle colds.
Apr 7, 2023 • 35min
146 - Rising again
The RBA pauses and house prices are on the march again. Will it be enough and where will it end?
