The private sector, a critical component of the nation's economy, has been particularly hard-hit. Industries such as construction and hospitality have seen a surge in insolvencies over the past two years, reflecting the broader struggle within this sector.
Job creation paints a stark picture of this downturn. Since the first quarter of 2023, only 91,433 jobs have emerged in the market-driven sectors, vastly outnumbered by the rise in the civilian population by 956,000 during the same period.
However, the larger economic narrative reveals a different trend. The overall demand across Australia remains relatively robust, primarily buoyed by the thriving non-market sector, which includes government activities and significant net overseas migration.
This divergence has been highlighted by Alex Joiner from IFM Investors, who notes that the non-market sector has generated 624,574 jobs since Q1 2023. This represents a striking 87% of the country's total job growth and is largely attributed to the expansion of initiatives like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The dichotomy extends to GDP growth as well. Public sector spending is the primary driver of Australia's gross domestic product during this period, overshadowing the private sector's stagnation.
Independent economist Tarric Brooker describes the current situation as "burnout economics," where the Reserve Bank's efforts to cool the economy with elevated interest rates are met with increased public spending by government bodies.
Such significant public sector expansion is affecting productivity negatively. Australia's recent performance in labor productivity places it among the lower ranks compared to other advanced economies, raising concerns about long-term economic sustainability.
If evaluating the market sector alone, the RBA might have opted to lower interest rates; however, the overall economic picture necessitates a broader view. The non-market sector's unprecedented growth has counteracted the central bank's measures to temper demand and inflation.
The original analysis, sourced from the Australian Financial Review, fundamentally underscores the conflict between the RBA's intention to control inflation and the government's expansionary fiscal policies, which continue to bolster the non-market sector, leaving the private sector in a recessionary state.
Published:Tuesday, 21st Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
House Ownership in Melbourne: A Growing Challenge 30 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori In Melbourne, the dream of owning a standalone house is slipping away for many potential buyers. The disparity between house and unit values has become increasingly pronounced, making detached homes a distant goal for many. According to data from CoreLogic, as of December 2024, typical Melbourne houses cost buyers 51.1%—or $310,202—more than units. - read more |
China's AI Surprise Sends Shockwaves Through Global Markets 28 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori As China continues to sharpen its technological edge, a new development has sent ripples across global financial markets. Investors worldwide are re-evaluating their positions following the debut of DeepSeek, a Chinese tech startup, which has introduced a free, open-source artificial intelligence model that directly challenges OpenAI's ChatGPT. - read more |
Capital Cities Face a Shifting Housing Landscape 28 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori The property market across Australia’s capital cities is showing signs of significant change as new data from CoreLogic reveals diverse trends in housing values. Sydney and Melbourne have seen their daily dwelling values index slip by 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, in the past month. - read more |
Turbulent Times Ahead for Australian Consumers 23 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori Australian households are bracing for a challenging economic phase as a series of factors converge to influence consumer spending habits. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's recent insights reveal that household expenditure, which had shown signs of normalizing, might face substantial headwinds in the foreseeable future. - read more |
Markets Brace for Trumpflation as Rate Cut Mirage Fades 22 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori As Donald Trump embarks on his second presidential term, investors are shifting focus from a prolonged rate reduction period to what is being called 'Trumpflation'. This marks a notable shift towards anticipating inflationary pressures under Trump's pro-growth policies. - read more |
How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey Welcome to the pathway of becoming a homeowner in Australia! If you're a first-time buyer, there's a good chance you've heard of something called the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). It's a pivotal element in the home buying conversation, and for good reason. Navigating through real estate jargon and financial assistance programs can be confusing, but understanding the FHOG can significantly impact your purchasing power and overall experience in acquiring your dream home. - read more
|
Planning for a Better Future: Exploring Refinancing Options for Aussie Homeowners As a homeowner in Australia, it is essential to stay informed about the current mortgage interest rate and inflation situation. This knowledge is crucial for effective financial planning and making informed decisions regarding your home loan. Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on Australian homeowners is particularly important. - read more
|
How to Boost Your Credit Score for a Better Home Loan Rate A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on your credit history, including factors like your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history. - read more
|
Exploring Different Refinancing Strategies to Ease Your Mortgage Stress When it comes to managing finances, one of the biggest stressors for homeowners is their mortgage. In Australia, many individuals and families struggle with mortgage stress, which can have a significant impact on their overall financial well-being. - read more
|
Understanding Loan Calculators: A Guide For Australian Homebuyers Welcome to this essential guide designed for Australian homebuyers who aspire to navigate the complex world of property financing. Due to the significant financial commitment involved in purchasing a home, understanding the nuances of mortgage calculations is imperative. Loan calculators are indispensable tools that offer valuable insights into the feasibility of a home loan, tailored to your personal economic circumstances. - read more
|
First-Home Finders: How to Choose a Mortgage Broker Who Works for You Embarking on the journey to homeownership can feel like navigating uncharted waters, with mortgage brokers often serving as the compass guiding you through the complexities of home financing. For many first-time home buyers, understanding the role of a mortgage broker can provide peace of mind and valuable support throughout the home-buying process. - read more
|
How to Boost Your Credit Score for a Better Home Loan Rate A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on your credit history, including factors like your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history. - read more
|
The Investor's Toolkit: Managing Risks in Investment Property Financing Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of investment property financing. In Australia, property investment has long been regarded as a favoured strategy for wealth creation and financial security. However, this path comes with its unique set of challenges and risks that must be carefully managed to ensure a successful investment journey. - read more
|
How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey Welcome to the pathway of becoming a homeowner in Australia! If you're a first-time buyer, there's a good chance you've heard of something called the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). It's a pivotal element in the home buying conversation, and for good reason. Navigating through real estate jargon and financial assistance programs can be confusing, but understanding the FHOG can significantly impact your purchasing power and overall experience in acquiring your dream home. - read more
|
Understanding Stamp Duty: What First-Time Buyers in Australia Need to Know Welcome to the exciting and sometimes complex world of real estate in Australia! If you are on the cusp of purchasing your first home, you've probably heard about stamp duty. But what exactly is it? Stamp duty is a form of tax imposed by Australian states and territories on property transactions. This tax is usually a percentage of the property purchase price or market value and is a legal requirement for most property sales. - read more
|