Australia’s official unemployment rate falling to 5.5% is enough to make a treasurer dance. But we shouldn’t get too carried away.
This week South Africa’s finance minister Tito Mboweni will deliver the country’s medium term budget review.
Photo by Jeffrey Abrahams/Gallo Images via Getty Images
While those on the left, right and middle worry about the federal deficit, the real world that we live in is in trouble. The fiscal prudes are fretting about the wrong issues.
He is trying to transition out of stage one while drawing up stage three.
Protestors voice their displeasure during a New York City Council hearing on Amazon’s plan to locate a headquarters in the city.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
As state and local governments lure businesses to their shores with financial incentives, a recent study finds that two forms of stimulus spur growth more than others.
All three levels of government must prioritize reducing Canada’s level of indebtedness.
(Pixabay)
There are two key questions regarding Canada’s fiscal sustainability during the pandemic. Can we afford to provide short-term financial support to Canadians? And how quickly will our economy recover?
We’re running out of interest rates to cut to keep the economy from sinking. Before the next recession occurs, we need to come with an effective approach to monetary policy.
Modern Monetary Theory allows governments more freedom to run deficits, freedom the Australian government might need.
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe (right) says he needs government help to boost the economy. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is yet to provide it.
Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Every one of the 13 economists surveyed by The Conversation thinks more stimulus is needed. None think it should all come from the Reserve Bank. Most think the budget surplus can wait.
This week’s Essential poll showed 56% of voters would prioritise stimulating the Australian economy over getting back to budget surplus.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
In many countries people are now paying more for bonds than they will receive at maturity. These negative interest rates should make it a good time for investment.
Both opposition leader Bill Shorten and prime minister Scott Morrison dodged the question about maintaining a surplus no matter what.
Mick Tsikas/AAP