Australia NowEconomic intelligence

Australia's economy, decoded.

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Rate-sensitive slowdown

Growth below trend. Disinflation continuing. Labour market cooling. RBA on hold.

Updated: 17 May 2025
Inflation
2.4%
(q/q)
Employment
3.8%
(Unemp. rate)
Housing
-1.7%
(Prices q/q)
Consumer Demand
0.6%
(Retail sales q/q)
RBA
4.35%
(Cash rate)
AUD
0.66
(USD)
Productivity
-0.3%
(q/q)
Business
51.2
(conditions)

Real GDP Growth (YoY)

6%3%0%-3%201920212022202420251.6%

Inflation (YoY)

8%6%4%0%2.4%

Australia Overview

What Changed This Week

  • Employment growth softened in April
  • Retail sales rose 0.6% in March
  • Trimmed mean inflation eased to 2.8%
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Investor Implications

Growth remains soft and rate sensitive. Duration assets supported if disinflation continues. Watch labour market and China demand.

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Business Implications

Cost pressures easing but demand uneven. Focus on productivity, pricing power and balance sheet resilience.

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