The Dismal Science

A new AI chatbot called ChatGPT has us asking if the robot productivity revolution is nigh. Plus, a final rate rise for the year, another healthy GDP number and Australia's current account once again slips into deficit.

Inflation is showing signs of waning. Have we put the genie back in the bottle? Plus, a non-apology apology from the RBA and with protesters on the streets, is the Chinese grand bargain on stability and growth at an end?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.