Craig
James

Chief economist Craig James has a knack for making economics user friendly.

Current work

He’s currently chief economist at CommSec, interpreting ‘big picture’ economic and financial trends for customers, clients and staff.

CommSec is known for innovative, ‘user friendly’ reports including State of the States, the CommSec iPhone Index and CommSec Home Size report. CommSec economic reports are a bit different in that they devise tools such as the 'Mums and Dads' share index and the iPod index, and undertake research on the weather and demographic changes to show how they affect the economy.

As well as providing presentations to staff and clients and commentaries on financial and economic trends, Craig appears regularly in the electronic and print media. Craig currently does around two to three regular TV crosses a day, ad hoc radio and newspaper interviews and writes regular commentaries as well as presenting to staff, clients and external organisations.

Previous experience

Education: Craig has worked in banking, finance and journalism for around 38 years and holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Commerce (Economics).

Professor: He was appointed Adjunct Professor at Perth's Curtin Business School in 2012.

Personal: Outside work, Craig's main interests are Masters athletics and trying to keep up with his three '20-something' children.