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Stephen Koukoulas

Economist and commentator known as 'The Kook', providing macroeconomic analysis on interest rates, fiscal policy, the labour market and productivity.

Top 10 podcasts with Stephen Koukoulas

Ranked by the Snipd community
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Dec 14, 2025 • 12min

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 15 Dec 2025

Stephen Koukoulas, an insightful economist known for his macroeconomic expertise, joins Michael Thompson to dissect the unusual economic landscape of 2025. They discuss the implications of three interest rate cuts amid modest growth, the unexpected inflation surge, and the shifting dynamics in the labour market with rising unemployment. Stephen also predicts future trends in house prices and consumer spending while highlighting a lean towards private-sector growth. It's a captivating look back at a tumultuous year with key indicators to watch moving forward.
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Dec 7, 2025 • 11min

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 8 Dec 2025

Stephen Koukoulas, a macroeconomic analyst nicknamed 'The Kook', joins to dissect crucial economic indicators. He dives into the latest GDP figures, highlighting a surge in household spending and solid investment trends. Koukoulas explains how the wealth effect is fueling discretionary purchases like cars and furnishings. He also discusses why global bond yields have risen, the potential for RBA rate hikes, and the impact of upcoming US Federal Reserve decisions on the economy. Tune in for insights on navigating financial headwinds!
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Nov 30, 2025 • 13min

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 1 Dec 2025

Economist Stephen Koukoulas, known as 'The Kook', shares insights on a pivotal week for the economy. He discusses the shocking rise in inflation and its implications for interest rates, arguing that rate cuts are off the table. Stephen also highlights a significant boost in business investment, pointing to its critical role in productivity. As he predicts strong GDP growth, he warns about potential risks from imported capital spending and the impact of cost-of-living pressures on household spending.
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Nov 23, 2025 • 12min

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 24 Nov 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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Nov 16, 2025 • 11min

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 17 Nov 2025

Stephen Koukoulas, a seasoned economist and commentator, joins to delve into the implications of recent strong labour force data. He discusses how this affects hiring dynamics and sector-specific skill shortages. Koukoulas argues that an RBA rate cut is unlikely, emphasizing that the upcoming RBA minutes will shed light on their cautious stance. He highlights the importance of wages growth as a critical barometer for inflation, making for a thought-provoking conversation on the current economic landscape.
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Aug 31, 2025 • 12min

Q+A: Bumper week for the economy

Stephen Koukoulas, an insightful economist known as The Kouk, joins to dissect the upcoming GDP figures and their significance. He explains how household spending and business investment shape economic growth, while also addressing the current housing market trends amid supply shortages. Koukoulas clarifies how government policies are bolstering opportunities for first-time buyers. Additionally, he allays concerns over rising inflation, emphasizing its manageable nature and discussing its potential impact on interest rates.
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Aug 17, 2025 • 13min

Q+A: How do we fix the productivity crisis?

In this discussion, economist Stephen Koukoulas, known as The Kook, delves into the pressing productivity crisis facing Australia. He emphasizes the significance of productivity for economic growth and living standards. The complexities of measuring productivity, especially in service sectors like nursing, take center stage. Koukoulas advocates for reforms to streamline bureaucracy and enhance efficiency. He also highlights the importance of political support and communication to drive necessary changes and navigate economic challenges effectively.
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Aug 10, 2025 • 8min

Q+A: Will the RBA cut rates?

Stephen Koukoulas, an economist known for his insightful analyses, joins the discussion to dissect the Reserve Bank's anticipated interest rate cut. He delves into recent inflation trends and how they impact the Reserve Bank's strategy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of upcoming labor data and how it could influence the bank's decisions. Koukoulas argues that understanding these economic signals is crucial for navigating a complex financial landscape.
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May 18, 2025 • 9min

The Week Ahead | 19 May 2025

Economist Stephen Koukoulas, known as The Kook, dives into this week's critical Reserve Bank board meeting. He discusses recent unexpected wage growth in the public sector and its impact on the economy. Koukoulas also explores the connection between wage increases and productivity, especially in female-dominated industries. With 89,000 new jobs reported, the conversation shifts to the potential for an interest rate cut as the economic landscape evolves. Plus, he shares intriguing insights on how messaging during press conferences can influence market perceptions.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 12min

Interview: Fear & Greed's guide to the 2025 Budget

Stephen Koukoulas, Managing Director of Market Economics and a former economic advisor, joins Sean Aylmer to dissect the recent budget, which offers modest tax cuts but lacks substantial reforms. They discuss its implications on healthcare funding and budget deficits, suggesting the latter may be manageable compared to other countries. The conversation shifts to how government budgets have become less impactful and the need for engaging economic communication. As elections approach, they analyze voter reactions to the government's cautious fiscal strategies.

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