Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its recent economic outlook, revised Australia's GDP growth projection for 2024 downwards-from an anticipated 1.5% growth to a more conservative 1.1%. Looking further ahead, it forecasts a gradual recovery with an expected GDP increase of 1.8% by 2025.

Despite these projections, Australia's population growth of 2.4% for the year ending June 2024 tends to exacerbate the per capita recession, hinting that this economic hardship might persist beyond previous expectations. The ramifications of these economic conditions are predominately felt by average households.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's steadfast approach in raising interest rates has placed a substantial burden on household budgets. This has led to a 2.4% reduction in household consumption from its apex in real per capita terms.

More noticeably, real per capita household disposable income plunged by an unprecedented 8% from its earlier highs. This constitutes the steepest decline observed in contemporary economic analysis according to recent statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

August figures from the ABS Household Spending Indicator reported stagnant spending in nominal terms, succeeding prior decreases of 0.5% in July and 0.1% in June. Robert Ewing, head of business statistics at ABS, observed, "Growth in household spending has stalled at the start of the financial year, even as the Federal government's Stage 3 tax cuts came into effect on 1 July".

An analytical depiction by Justin Fabo from Antipodean Macro, matched ABS Household Spending Indicator data with household consumption figures from quarterly national accounts. The analysis suggests a persisting frailty in these accounts throughout Q3, indicating that the current recession per capita is far from over.

The new policies, including the Stage 3 tax cuts designed to boost economic engagement and consumer spending, appear to have offered limited relief as the economy remains dormant. Acknowledging information from the original source, The OECD Digest, it's evident that while several measures are in play, the anticipated economic rejuvenation remains elusive.

Published:Tuesday, 8th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Australian Home Loans Experience Significant Growth in January 2026

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In January 2026, Australia's housing market witnessed a remarkable 10.6% increase in home loan approvals compared to the previous month, significantly surpassing December's 4.7% growth. This surge indicates a robust demand for housing credit, reflecting the market's resilience despite existing challenges. - read more

Anticipated 4.8% Rise in Australian Property Prices for 2026

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As we progress through 2026, the Australian property market is poised for continued growth, with forecasts predicting a 4.8% increase in property prices across capital cities. This projection follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, indicating sustained momentum in the housing sector. - read more

Implications of RBA's Interest Rate Hike on Property Prices in 2026

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to implement an interest rate hike in early 2026, a move that could significantly influence the trajectory of property price growth. This decision comes in response to rising inflation and aims to stabilize the economy. - read more

First Home Buyer Loan Applications Surge Following Government's 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

October 2025 marked a significant milestone for first-time homebuyers in Australia, with loan applications surging by 39.2%. This remarkable increase is largely attributed to the federal government's expansion of the 5% Deposit Scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population. - read more

Investor Home Loans Surge Amid Record Borrowing in Australian Property Market

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In the third quarter of 2025, Australia's property market witnessed a significant shift as investors accounted for two out of every five home loans. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that over 57,000 investors borrowed nearly $40 billion during this period, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous quarter. This surge underscores a growing trend of investor dominance in the housing sector. - read more

Click for more Finance News