CommBank View: Economics & Markets

For this special bonus episode, CommBank Chief Economist Luke Yeaman sits down with the Treasurer of Australia, Dr Jim Chalmers. They discuss the long-term direction of the Australian economy in a world shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological change and shifting global dynamics. From the breakdown of the rules-based order to the risks and opportunities of a “churn and change” environment, they explore how Australia can position itself in this new era.
The Treasurer also shares his perspective on the Iran conflict and its economic impact, including risks to fuel supply, alongside the outlook for inflation and interest rates following the latest data. They discuss what to expect from the upcoming Federal Budget, the role of tax reform, and how structural pressures could shape productivity, jobs and the future of work.
Important Information
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.
No Reliance
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes.
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made.
Liability Disclaimer
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US dollar has long dominated global markets, but is that starting to change and what would it mean for the global economy?
Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Senior Economist and Currency Strategist Kristina Clifton about what de-dollarisation really means and why it’s back in focus. From rising geopolitical tensions to renewed pressure on the US Federal Reserve under President Trump, they explore what is driving the debate and how it connects to questions around central bank independence.
Kristina explains whether the Fed is likely to maintain its independence and what that means for confidence in the US dollar. She also outlines which currencies could challenge its dominance, and why alternatives like the euro and Chinese yuan face significant hurdles.
Plus, CommBank’s Lucinda Jerogin shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead.
Important Information
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.
No Reliance
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes.
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made.
Liability Disclaimer
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s consumer spending has remained surprisingly resilient, but early signs suggest that may not last.
Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Senior Economist Ashwin Clarke about how households are responding to rising cost pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. From higher petrol prices to broader cost-of-living impacts, they unpack how global shocks are filtering through to everyday spending and business activity.
Ashwin explains why household spending has held up so far, supported by savings buffers and a willingness to absorb short-term income shocks. But with sentiment deteriorating, real incomes under pressure and unemployment expected to rise, the outlook is becoming more uncertain.
Plus, CommBank’s Dr Hamid Yahyaei shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead.
Important Information
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.
No Reliance
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes.
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made.
Liability Disclaimer
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s housing market has remained resilient, but is the strong growth in home prices set to slow as interest rates rise?
Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Senior Economist Trent Saunders about how the housing market has evolved and what’s driving price growth across the country. From rising interest rates to strong population growth and ongoing supply constraints, they unpack why conditions vary so widely between capital cities and what’s behind the ongoing pressure in the rental market.
Trent explains why price growth is expected to ease into late 2026, and how factors like mortgage rates, population trends and policy changes could shape the outlook. He also explores the potential impact of adjustments to the capital gains tax discount, and what it could mean for housing prices, rents and overall affordability.
Plus, CommBank’s John Oh shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead.
Important Information
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.
No Reliance
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes.
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made.
Liability Disclaimer
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global economy is facing a new wave of uncertainty, but how much will the Middle East conflict slow growth and push interest rates higher?
Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Head of Foreign Exchange, International & Geoeconomics Joseph Capurso about the impact of the conflict on the global outlook, with growth now expected to come in below trend over the next two years. From rising energy prices to uneven impacts across major economies, they explore why Europe, the UK and Japan are more exposed, while the US, China and Canada may prove more resilient.
Joseph explains how the surge in oil and gas prices is feeding into inflation, raising the risk that central banks will need to tighten policy further. He also outlines which economies and industries are most exposed to higher energy costs, and what it could mean for households, businesses and the path for global interest rates.
Plus, CommBank’s Senior Economist Ryan Felsman shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead.
Important Information
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”).
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.
No Reliance
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes.
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made.
Liability Disclaimer
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.