FEAR & GREED | Business News Q+A: The Week Ahead | 24 Nov 2025
Nov 23, 2025
Economist Stephen Koukoulas, known as ‘The Kook’, joins to discuss the latest economic indicators affecting markets. He highlights the new monthly CPI methodology, emphasizing its significance for investors. Koukoulas also dissects the Reserve Bank's cautious stance and the implications for future interest rate moves. Additionally, he examines private sector capital expenditure trends and addresses the impact of the recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics data gap on Federal Reserve decisions. Dive into expert insights and predictions!
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Wage Growth Slowing In The Private Sector
- The Wage Price Index rose 0.8% in the September quarter, leaving annual growth at 3.4% which met expectations.
- Private sector wage growth slowed to 3.2%, its weakest in 3.5 years, signalling easing wage pressures.
RBA Is Biased Toward Holding
- The RBA is in clear wait-and-see mode and likely to hold policy until multiple months of confirming data arrive.
- Past pauses often last a year or more, so markets should not expect quick moves either way.
New Comprehensive Monthly CPI Arrives
- The ABS has released a comprehensive monthly CPI series using international-style methodology rather than the old partial indicator.
- Stephen expects the new monthly CPI to become a top-tier monthly economic release once markets adapt.