Inside the Economist’s Mind

In this episode, we spotlight the critical role of attention to detail in the world of economics. Through real-world examples and STAR method scenarios, we illustrate how meticulous data analysis, careful model building, and precise communication lead to reliable and impactful outcomes. We also explore why a sharp eye for detail is essential for ensuring data accuracy, avoiding costly errors, and maintaining professional credibilit...

In this episode, we unpack ING’s latest global economic outlook for May 2025. From trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty to shifting central bank policies, we explore why global markets are stagnating despite early-year momentum. We dive into the impact of US tariffs, revised growth forecasts for key economies, and the evolving stance of central banks on interest rates. Plus, we look at falling oil prices and OPEC+’s new mark...

In this episode of our *Career Conversation Series*, we dive into strategies for mastering behavioral interview questions—especially for aspiring economists. We explore the value of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a clear framework for structuring impactful responses. Listeners will gain tips on researching employers, preparing tailored examples, and demonstrating adaptability through real-world scenarios. We a...

In this episode of Inside the Economist’s Mind, we delve into the art of effectively communicating intricate economic concepts to diverse audiences. Economists often grapple with the challenge of making complex ideas accessible and engaging.

We explore key strategies to enhance clarity and connection:

Understanding Your Audience: Tailoring your message to the audience's knowledge level and interests is crucial.

Utilizing Storytelling...

In this episode, we delve into the vital role of analytical skills in the field of economics. Drawing from two insightful sources, we examine how economists can both showcase and sharpen their analytical thinking. Listeners will learn how to effectively respond to behavioral interview questions using the STAR method, with examples that bring real-world economic challenges to life. We also share practical tips for developing analyti...

In this episode, we explore why conflict resolution skills are essential for economists striving to excel in their careers. Drawing insights from two key sources, we break down seven critical areas—including emotional intelligence and effective communication—and show how mastering these skills enhances professional relationships and decision-making. Through practical examples using the STAR method, we reveal how economists can appl...

In this episode of *Inside the Economist’s Mind*, we explore strategies for optimizing teamwork among economists with diverse skill sets. Effective collaboration is crucial in economic analysis, where combining varied expertise leads to more robust outcomes.

We discuss the importance of clear role definition to prevent overlap and confusion, ensuring each team member understands their responsibilities and contributions. Sharing spec...

In this episode of Inside the Economist’s Mind, we delve into the art of managing tight deadlines in economic analysis. Facing pressing timelines is a common challenge for economists, and mastering time management is crucial for delivering impactful insights.

We explore effective strategies to prioritize tasks, emphasizing the balance between urgency and importance. Understanding the potential impact of each analysis helps in aligni...

Join us as we unpack the key developments in Australia's energy markets for Q1 2025. This episode offers a deep dive into the latest trends in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), exploring shifts in energy demand and supply, the growing role of renewables, and the performance of storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro. We’ll also break down changes in wholesale electricity ...

In this episode, we dive into the nuanced economics of housing supply, challenging the common narrative that more new construction alone can solve housing affordability. Drawing on recent academic research, we explore why the existing housing stock plays a critical—yet often overlooked—role in the market. Learn how local factors, developer behavior, and development costs shape supply responsiveness, and why policy solutions must go...

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of time series analysis with insights from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Learn the difference between stock and flow series, and how data collected over time is broken down into trend, seasonal, and irregular components. We’ll unpack why seasonal adjustment is key to uncovering real patterns, and dive into decomposition models—additive, multiplicative, and pseudo-additive—that hel...

In this episode, we dive into the Australian Government's latest guidance from the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) on using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to shape smarter, more accountable policy decisions. Discover the nine essential steps to conducting a robust CBA—from identifying policy options to valuing future impacts—and learn how to navigate common challenges like quantifying intangible effects and ensuring intergenerational ...

In this episode, we dive into Westpac's latest analysis of global and Australian economic trends as of May 2025. We unpack the impact of US tariff policies, global market volatility, and the varied economic outlooks across regions including Australia, China, the US, and Europe. Learn about key forecasts for GDP, inflation, interest rates, and currency movements, and discover how central banks are juggling growth, inflation, and...

In this episode, we unpack the key insights from the Australian Dwelling Finance Bulletin for Q1 2025, which reveals the first major drop in dwelling finance approvals in two years. We explore the sharp decline in owner-occupier loans—especially those tied to construction—and what this signals for the broader housing market. Join us as we analyse state-level trends, possible drivers behind the lending slowdown, and what it could me...

In this episode, we break down the April 2025 economic report from the New South Wales Treasury Corporation, focusing on the ripple effects of U.S. trade policies across global and Australian markets. Discover how tariff announcements sparked financial market volatility, drove down growth forecasts, and raised fresh recession concerns. We also explore how consumer and business confidence is shifting, the complex balancing act facin...

In this episode, we explore new research on how leading labor market indicators—like job advertisements, vacancies, and consumer unemployment expectations—can improve forecasts of the unemployment rate. You'll hear how combining data sources such as ABS vacancies, ANZ-Indeed job ads, and Westpac-Melbourne Institute surveys helps create a powerful summary indicator that outperforms traditional models. We also discuss the value o...

In this episode, we unpack the key differences between cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). You'll learn how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin operate on decentralized blockchains, why their values are so volatile, and the policy concerns they raise—from criminal use to speculative bubbles. We also explore CBDCs as a government-backed alternative, offering more stability and potential improvements to the pa...

In this episode, we explore the profound economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia from 2020 to 2021. We discuss how public health restrictions triggered a sharp downturn in GDP and employment, and examine the historic scale of government and Reserve Bank interventions to stabilize the economy. As restrictions eased and vaccines rolled out, we track the path to recovery—highlighting the sectors that bounced back, those...

In this episode, we unpack the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009—how it began in the U.S. housing market and quickly rippled through the global financial system. We examine the key drivers, including excessive risk-taking, high leverage, and regulatory shortcomings, and trace the collapse that led to major institutional failures and a worldwide recession. We also explore the policy responses—like interest rate cuts, fiscal stimu...