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
Talking Points
The Housing Market
Housing - what is more important and topical for Australian consumers, investors and policymakers alike? And right now, house prices are surging, with low-interest rates and pent-up demand from first home buyers driving the surge.The Housing Market
But beware! Australia’s immigration is near zero; yet there are over 180,000 new dwellings being built each year. Unless the international borders open soon, there will be a huge oversupply problem and that spells the price boom in early 2021 ending.
The big question - will prices fall and if so, when?
Making matters more intense is the weakness in wages and growing prospects for interest rate increases in 2022.
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
- Household debt remains high - how much more can Australian homeowners take on?
- Investors - what about rents? They were weak but now are rising.
- Why it is always a good time to buy a house to live in!
The Kouk's Influencers - Keynote and Economist in Residence
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.The Kouk's Influencers - Keynote and Economist in Residence
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, how it might impact your business, your clients and your personal finances.
There are numerous influencers in the economy including (in no particular order):
- Superannuation
- Housing
- Labour Market
- The Next Federal Election
- Retail Sector
- Federal Budget
- Gender Inequality
- Interest Rates
- 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.
Boosting Financial Security for all Australian Women
Stephen delivered a White Paper to the Government outlining the issues associated with the financial security for women. You can read the document here: Boosting Economic Security for All WomenBoosting Financial Security for all Australian Women
Stephen has presented his paper to a Parliamentary Committee and will be continue to advise the government on gender inequality and women’s financial security issues.
Stephen covered the following in the White Paper:
- The gender Pay Gap
- Superannuation Gap
- Child Care Access
- Workforce Participation
- Access to Education
- What can be done at a government level to address these issues?
- What can your business do to be a leader in this vital issue of equity?
- What are other companies doing to detail with economic and financial security for women?
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. The Consumer and Retail Spending
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 wages growth is weak and household debt is high but are benefitting from rising wealth on the back of rising house price 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
• Consumers are feeling the effect of low wages growth, record debt levels, the end of JobKeeper
• 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.The Labour Market
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
One of Australia's most influential economists. ... keep reading The Australian Financial Review
One of the most articulate economists in Australia.
I've only heard great things about your presentation at the breakfast - so thank you. Clients and staff all raved about you - how engaging, thought provoking and entertaining you were. You made the content come alive.
The feedback from the participants has been fantastic. You really make a serious subject interesting and engaging!
Stephen was a pleasure to work with. He was happy to produce a presentation specifically for our audience and he was very generous with his time. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an intelligent, open and engaging speaker who is clearly an expert in his field.
