Forecasting Jobs: How Leading Indicators Predict Unemployment"
In this episode, we explore new research on how leading labor market indicators—like job advertisements, vacancies, and consumer unemployment expectations—can improve forecasts of the unemployment rat...
13 Touko 202514min
Crypto vs. Central Bank Digital Currencies: Digital Money and the Future of Finance
In this episode, we unpack the key differences between cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). You'll learn how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin operate on decentralized blockchains...
13 Touko 202518min
COVID-19 and the Australian Economy: From Shock to Recovery
In this episode, we explore the profound economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia from 2020 to 2021. We discuss how public health restrictions triggered a sharp downturn in GDP and emplo...
12 Touko 202515min
The Global Financial Crisis: Causes, Collapse, and Lessons Learned
In this episode, we unpack the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009—how it began in the U.S. housing market and quickly rippled through the global financial system. We examine the key drivers, includi...
12 Touko 202518min
How Banks Set Interest Rates: The Hidden Mechanics of Lending
In this episode, we explore how banks operate behind the scenes—specifically how they manage the balance between funding costs and lending rates. Discover how banks source their funds through deposits...
12 Touko 202510min
Bonds & the Yield Curve: Decoding Market Signals
In this episode, we demystify bonds and the yield curve—two foundational concepts in financial markets. We explain what bonds are, how yields work, and why bond prices move inversely to yields. You'll...
11 Touko 202522min
Breaking Down the Balance of Payments: Tracking Australia's Global Transactions
In this episode, we dive into the balance of payments—an essential tool for understanding a country’s economic relationship with the rest of the world. Learn how it's structured into the current accou...
11 Touko 202517min
Understanding Exchange Rates: Australia's Global Currency Connections
In this episode, we unpack the fundamentals of exchange rates and why they matter for an open, trade-driven economy like Australia. We explore key concepts including bilateral exchange rates, cross ra...
11 Touko 202516min
