Exchange rates do more than just affect your holiday budget—they shape the entire Australian economy. In this episode, we unpack how exchange rates function and why their movements matter. From influencing the prices of imports and exports to shaping inflation, employment, and economic growth, you'll learn how currency appreciation and depreciation ripple through trade, investment, and the balance of payments. We also explore the time-lagged impacts on foreign debt and income. Whether you're a student, investor, or curious mind, this episode will give you a solid grasp of how currency shifts affect real economic outcomes.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

Ever wondered why the value of the Australian dollar rises and falls? In this episode, we dive into how Australia's floating exchange rate works and the key factors that drive it—from long-term influences like interest rate differentials, commodity prices, and trade balances, to short-term pressures like global risk sentiment and market speculation. We also explore the role of the Reserve Bank of Australia in stabilizing the currency when markets go off track. Tune in to get a clearer picture of how global forces shape the Aussie dollar and what it means for the economy.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

Can unemployment ever be too low? In this episode, we explore the Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment—or NAIRU—a key economic concept used to gauge how low unemployment can go without triggering rising inflation. You'll learn how the NAIRU helps central banks like the RBA make informed monetary policy decisions, and why it's central to debates about full employment and price stability. We also unpack the many forces that influence the NAIRU, from globalisation and technology to worker bargaining power and long-term unemployment. This episode is perfect for anyone wanting to understand the balance between jobs and inflation in a modern economy.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

Unemployment is more than just a headline figure—it’s a window into the health of the labour market and the economy. In this episode, we break down how the unemployment rate is measured in Australia by the ABS, and what it tells us about who's working, who's not, and why. We explore the key types of unemployment—cyclical, structural, and frictional—and explain related concepts like underemployment, hidden unemployment, and seasonal trends. Whether you're a student or simply curious about how labour markets work, this episode will help you understand the real stories behind the statistics.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

What exactly is productivity, and why does it matter so much in economics? In this episode, we demystify productivity by exploring its two key forms—labour productivity and multifactor productivity (MFP)—and explain how they’re measured using real-world methods from the ABS. Learn how economists calculate output and inputs, the challenges involved in productivity measurement, and the crucial role of efficiency and innovation in driving growth. We also dive into how productivity gains translate into higher wages, lower prices, and stronger economies. A must-listen for economics students and policy enthusiasts alike.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

What causes economies to boom and bust? In this episode, we break down the business cycle—its phases, causes, and consequences—and explore what defines a recession versus a depression. We examine different ways recessions are identified, including the technical definition and the broader NBER approach, and look at historical examples from Australia. You'll also learn about the long-term impacts of economic downturns and how policymakers attempt to smooth out the ride. Perfect for students, economists, or anyone curious about the forces shaping our economy.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/

What drives a nation's economy forward? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the concept of economic growth, focusing on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the key measure of progress. You'll learn how GDP is calculated through the production, income, and expenditure approaches, and why adjusting for inflation with real GDP is crucial. We explore the dynamics of aggregate demand—from household spending to net exports—and the supply-side factors like labour, capital, and productivity. Plus, we break down the business cycle, explaining the phases of economic upswing and downturn. This episode is your guide to understanding the engine behind economic performance.

What exactly is inflation, and how do we measure it? In this episode, we dive into the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—Australia’s main tool for tracking inflation. We explain how the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) builds the CPI using a basket of goods and services, how item weights reflect household spending, and how prices are collected. You'll also learn about underlying inflation measures like the trimmed mean and weighted median, which help filter out short-term volatility. Plus, we unpack the limitations of the CPI, including issues like substitution bias and its shortcomings as a true measure of the cost of living. A must-listen for anyone curious about how inflation is really tracked.