

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

Nov 24, 2022 • 39min
135 - Loss and damage
Another climate conference, another cop out? We look at the progress, or lack thereof, at COP-27, including an agreement to establish a 'loss and damage' fund for poor nations. Plus, should central banks buy bitcoin? And the cost of the World Cup.

Nov 18, 2022 • 43min
134 - Korea, guidance
As criticism builds, the RBA has reviewed its forward guidance given during the pandemic. Has it permanently undermined its credibility? And how will it communicate to the public in future? Plus, the Australian economy keeps adding jobs, wages might finally be moving and a Korean credit crunch.

Nov 11, 2022 • 1h 9min
133 - It must mean we're DSGEsting
DSGE models, which power central banks' interest rate decisions, are under fire. Can we trust them? Plus, the fall of crypto wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried crashes the market and everyone is nervous about the Australian economic outlook.

Nov 4, 2022 • 56min
132 - Without reservation
With energy prices continuing to soar, the government is exploring its options to keep the lid on. Should Australia be sending less gas offshore, reserving some for the local market? Plus, the RBA and Fed continue to hike rates and what car washing tells us about the UK's economic stagnation.

Oct 27, 2022 • 42min
131 - Chalmers, China, and Cheese
The inflation rate has surged to a 32-year high, but how will the RBA respond at their upcoming meeting? Plus: the key points from this week's budget, the delayed release of China's GDP numbers and what do mozzarella pizza toppings tell us about India's GST system?

Oct 20, 2022 • 42min
130 - Migration, Minutes and Missing Data
The federal budget is out next week. What should we expect the Treasurer to announce on Tuesday night? Plus: fresh employment numbers, insights from the Director Sentiment Index and China's delayed GDP data.

Oct 13, 2022 • 47min
129 - Doom, Gloom and Working on Zoom
The IMF has released its latest forecast for the world economy, and the outlook is pretty grim. What does slowing global growth mean for Australia? Plus, fresh consumer confidence numbers, this year's Nobel Prize winners, and what does the Census tell us about Australian's working habits?

Oct 6, 2022 • 45min
128 - Rising Rates, Tax Talk, and a UK U-turn
The RBA has raised rates, but it was a smaller hike than many were expecting. What could the Reserve Bank be planning for next month? Plus: the debate around "Stage Three" tax cuts, a surprise policy U-turn in the UK, and more uncertainty for China's beleaguered property sector.

Sep 29, 2022 • 40min
127 - Market Mayhem, Recession Risks and the Plunging Pound
Central banks across the globe have been lifting interest rates over the last week. The RBA is almost certain to do the same at its upcoming meeting, but how high will the rate rise be? Plus: major moves for stocks and bonds, recession fears in the US and the British pound sinks to a record low.

Sep 23, 2022 • 39min
126 - House Prices, a House Committee and the House of Windsor
The RBA Governor has faced some tricky questions at a parliamentary committee. What did Philip Lowe have to say on house prices, rising rates and tax? Plus, fresh unemployment numbers, the royal family's finances, and a big change for one of the major crypto currencies.


