Stephen Koukoulas

Few economists have both the global and local experience of Stephen Koukoulas. He is an economic thought leader in his role with his business, Market Economics.

Stephen is often driving the debate on housing, consumer spending, investment strategies, interest rates and budget policy. He does this by drawing on his unique background including his experience heading global research for TD in London, his role as Chief Economist of Citibank and Former Senior Economic Advisor to the Australian Prime Minister.

When it comes to the economy, Stephen continues to cover the big issues. He does so independently, without the constraints of many of the bank economists who are limited by what they can say. Stephen’s views are presented without fear or favour.

Stephen is the go-to economist for many businesses, investors, fund managers and the media. He is a regular contributor to Yahoo Finance and appears on television including the ABC, The Project and Sky and is regularly called upon to contribute to radio interviews across the country.

As a keynote speaker and panellist Stephen is asked to discuss the economy with audiences as diverse as the corporate world to school students – an affirmation of his ability to turn complex economic analysis into terms mere mortals can understand.

Independent. Impartial. Entertaining.

Stephen Koukoulas talks about:

The Housing Market

Housing – what is more important and topical for Australian consumers, investors and policy makers alike? House prices have gone through a roller-coaster ride in the last few years. Rising through the pandemic, falling with the start interest rate hikes and now rising despite these higher rates.

Why?

Immigration is booming as the borders have reopened and there is a shortage of dwellings from low construction levels. New listing of established dwellings is an important determinant of house prices – what are the latest data showing?

Supply weak / demand strong equals rising prices. Economics 101 works!

In this fast-paced & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:

• House prices across cities and regions – there is some intriguing data on supply and demand and what that will mean for differences in prices from city to city
• Interest rates do not have a lasting effect. Hear why this is the case.
• Household debt remains high – how much more can Australian homeowners take on?
• Investors – what about rents?
• Why it is always a good time to buy a house to live in!

Stephen’s Influencers

Economics and social commentary that makes Australia a great place to be

Economics matters. Understanding where the economy is and where it is going will drive profits, investment decisions, employment opportunities and drive the conversation around social impact.

This is why the weekly run of economic news is so important. Keeping up to date with these trends, what they mean for interest rates, the Australian dollar and financial markets is the key to staying ahead of the pack. It is also where policy issues are so important. And this is not just interest rates, but what the government does on tax, spending and changes to rules and regulations.

And of course, the critical thing is what to do about this news, and how it might impact your business, your clients and your personal finances.

There are numerous influencers in the economy including inflation, superannuation, housing, the labour market and wages, the retail sector, federal budget, gender inequality, interest rates, and unemployment.

As an Independent Economist and Social Commentator, Stephen can deliver a keynote, drive a panel discussion or become your Economist in Residence to deliver regular economic updates and commentary that affect you.

The Consumer and Retail Spending

Household spending accounts for over half of the economy – it is an important driver of whether times are good or bad. We consumers spent up big during COVID-19 but are now scaling back our spending. What does this mean for the economic bottom-line?

What is the outlook for what we buy, how we spend our money and how much we are likely to spend?

Consumers are being pushed and pulled – limiting new spending because of the pressures caused by the rising cost of living, and rising mortgage interest payments, but are benefitting from rising wealth on the back of rising house prices and the lift in the stock market.

In this high-energy & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:

• Retail spending is slowing – consumers are holding back their spending
• Consumer sentiment is being impacted by cost of living, interest costs and a rise in job insecurity
• How weak will retail spending be and for how long?
• What is needed to see a turnaround?
• How should retailers react to what could be an erratic year ahead for spending?

The Labour Market

The post-COVID-19 era has seen the labour market in Australia transformed. Immigration has fallen to near zero which means local firms are increasingly relying on local workers.

This had led to skills shortages in some areas, that will only be addressed if higher wages are paid.

Female workforce participation has increased as the economy has recovered from the COVID-19 recession.

Amid all of these changes, wages growth remains weak – near record lows.

An issue to watch for is that for the first time in a decade, rising wages costs, as firms compete for workers. There is tentative evidence of this in some sectors.

What does this mean for you, your business and your employees and the economy in general?

Get the latest update and data from Stephen at your next meeting, event or conference.