Category Archives: Macroeconomics

Turning an eye to the CPI

Posted on March 19, 2010 by

Update: All ABS submission to the inquiry are now online. For my money, the most enlightening is point 3.2.2 of the Australian Treasury submission. ~~~~~~~~ The ABS are undertaking the first major review of the Consumer Price Index in 13 … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomics

Happiness, Love, Money, and Sex

Posted on December 15, 2009 by

My AFR op-ed today discusses two happiness papers by Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers. Full text over the fold. 

Posted in Economics of the Family, Labour Economics, Macroeconomics | 2 Comments

Look at the changes, not at the levels

Posted on December 14, 2009 by

A few people have asked me recently for my view on “The Spirit Level” by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, which is apparently having some impact in policy circles. John Kay’s view in the FT comes closest to my own: … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics, Health economics, Inequality, Macroeconomics | 9 Comments

Of politics, tax and monetary policy

Posted on December 10, 2009 by

Ross Gittins gave a fascinating talk on Monday to the Australian Business Economists Annual Forecasting Conference, and he’s kindly agreed to let me post it here. Full text over the fold.

Posted in Australian Politics, Macroeconomics, Tax | 1 Comment

Let’s get fiscal

Posted on October 22, 2009 by

My Wryside Economics segment on ABC Radio National this morning is about fiscal policy. I’ll be on about 9.15am, and will post the mp3 link when it’s up. Update: The audio can be downloaded here. My statement about the political … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Events, Macroeconomics | 1 Comment

The unkindest cut

Posted on October 20, 2009 by

My AFR op-ed today is on education and the economic “downturn” (formerly known as the Australian recession). Full text over the fold, along with all the usual hyperlinks. Much thanks (but no responsibility) to Andrew Norton, who helped me understand … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics of Education, Macroeconomics, Universities | 3 Comments

Do Household Handouts Help?

Posted on September 22, 2009 by

My op-ed today is on the touchy topic of stimulus spending. Full text over the fold (with the usual hyperlinks for anyone interested in reading the original research).

Posted in Australian Politics, Macroeconomics | 1 Comment