The Economy, Stupid

Tariffs are on the rise — so what does this mean for ultra-cheap sites like Temu? Then, is Elon Musk behind the recent slump in electric car sales? Plus, the question of whether Australia has slain the inflation dragon remains on the table.

Trump's tariffs are here, but do those voting for them really understand how they work? Plus, the housing market is cooling down, but should we take it further and push prices down even more? And, we’re taxing tobacco heavily, but surprisingly, the tax revenue is dropping. Turns out, it’s not because people are quitting. Could we be facing a self-defeating tax?Taj Pabari - social entrepreneur and author of Young, Dumb and Financially Independent: What school didn't teach you about money.Emilia Terzon - ABC national business reporter.Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at theeconomy.stupid@abc.net.au

With inflation down and right within the Reserve Bank's target band, is there any reason why we shouldn't now expect a cut in interest rates? Plus, a deep dive into DeepSeek, the Chinese AI firm that shook the US stock market this week; and the economics of the Australian Open - turns out there's more than a Grand Slam title at stake. Guests:Myriam Robin - Senior writer with the Australian Financial Review.Isaac Gross - former Reserve Bank economist, now lecturer in economics at Monash University.Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at theeconomy.stupid@abc.net.au

With Donald Trump back in the White House, it's boom time for billionaires and tech bros. How much will these changes trickle down to Australia? Plus, you’ve probably noticed those fees racking up, every time you tap your debit card. A push is now on to ban them, but this might have some unexpected - and expensive - consequences. Guests:Megan Flamer - Innovation and organisational development specialist with Monash Business School (and founder of Excited Adults)Michael Janda - ABC News Business Editor.Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at theeconomy.stupid@abc.net.au

The Economy, Stupid is your weekly guide to the world of business, economics and finance. Every Thursday, economist Peter Martin is joined by a team of sharp young thinkers for a fresh conversation about the financial stories making headlines and how they might affect you.

Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of the Sleep Health Foundation, dives into Australia’s sleep crisis, revealing that 1 in 10 Australians suffer from sleep disorders. He emphasizes the staggering economic burdens, estimating that inadequate sleep costs the nation nearly $75 billion annually. The discussion covers the global prevalence of insomnia and sleep apnea, their serious health implications, and the urgent need for public awareness and better treatment options. Rajaratnam also touches on the mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health.

In this engaging discussion, Ed Conway, Economics and Data Editor of Sky News and author of *Material World*, delves into the pivotal role of six crucial materials: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. He reveals how these resources have shaped civilization and fueled technological progress. Conway highlights the intricacies of global supply chains and the sustainability challenges of lithium mining, while also examining the essential role of fossil fuels in modern life. A captivating exploration of our material world!

Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, provides a deep dive into Australia's economic landscape, reflecting on nine years of change. She discusses the decline of cash transactions and the shift to telehealth post-COVID. The conversation also tackles the staggering losses from poker machines, highlighting the toll on vulnerable individuals. Wood further explores the concept of 'inheritocracy' and how property ownership deepens class divides, stressing the need for urgent market solutions to tackle these pressing issues.

Emma Dawson, Executive Director of Per Capita, and Simon Darcy, Professor of Management at UTS Business School, dive deep into the limitations of the NDIS. They discuss how despite its benefits, the NDIS needs enhancements to support individuals with disabilities in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The conversation highlights the economic contributions of disabled individuals and the pressing need for increased accessibility in travel. They argue that a truly inclusive society benefits everyone, urging systemic changes to break down barriers.

Not many of us care for Mondays, and statistically it really is the most dangerous day of the week as opposed to Black Friday where the biggest danger is watching your money disappear.Guest:Fleur Brown from the Australian Retailer's AssociationMilad Hagani from the University of NSWAlso, why are we not spending more on upskilling and training our workforce?Andrew Barker Head of Research at CEDA