Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown

4

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

So Money Broadens Services to Support Australian SMEs

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In response to the growing demand for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing in Australia, non-bank lender So Money has expanded its services to include tailored lending solutions for self-employed borrowers and SMEs. This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and strengthen partnerships with brokers, thereby enhancing access to business financing. - read more

ASIC Advocates for Enhanced Standards in Australia's Private Lending Sector

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a call for the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices. This initiative follows an extensive review by the regulator, which uncovered inconsistencies in reporting, downplayed risks, and opaque fee structures within the rapidly growing private credit market. - read more

Westpac Restructures to Strengthen Business Lending Focus

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at bolstering its presence in the business lending market. The bank plans to replace a substantial number of in-branch tellers with business bankers, a move designed to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and capitalise on the growing demand for business financing. - read more

ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Following ASIC's $150 Million Capital Charge

16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio to 75-85% of underlying net profit after tax. This decision follows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) imposition of an additional A$150 million capital charge on the exchange operator. The regulatory action stems from an inquiry into ASX's operational shortcomings, including a failed software upgrade and recurring trade-processing issues. - read more

Hanwha's Investment in Austal Expands Amidst Regulatory Oversight

16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has approved South Korean conglomerate Hanwha's proposal to increase its shareholding in Australian shipbuilder Austal from 9.9% to 19.9%. This approval comes with stringent conditions concerning security and data access to safeguard Australia's strategic and national security interests. - read more

November Sees Softening in Australian Business Conditions Amidst Capacity Challenges

16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In November, Australian business conditions experienced a decline, as reported by the National Australia Bank (NAB) survey. The business conditions index fell by 3 points to +7, indicating a softening in sales and profits after a period of strong performance. The business confidence index also dropped by 5 points to +1, suggesting a potential cooling in consumer demand following October's strength. - read more

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60%, Forecasts Extended Stability

08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to maintain the official cash rate at 3.60% during its December meeting, signaling a potential extended period of stability through 2026. This move reflects the central bank's response to higher-than-expected inflation and a robust economic environment. - read more

Click for more Finance News