Stephen Koukoulas

Stephen Koukoulas is an economic visionary with a rare and specialised professional experience that spans over 25 years as an economist in government, as Global Head of economic and market research, a Chief Economist for two major banks and as economic advisor to the Prime Minister.

Few economists have both the global and local experience of Stephen Koukoulas. He is an economic thought leader in his role with his business, Market Economics.

Stephen is often driving the debate on housing, consumer spending, investment strategies, interest rates and budget policy. He does this by drawing on his unique background including his experience heading global research for TD in London, his role as Chief Economist of Citibank and Former Senior Economic Advisor to the Australian Prime Minister.

When it comes to the economy, Stephen continues to cover the big issues. He does so independently, without the constraints of many of the bank economists who are limited by what they can say. Stephen’s views are presented without fear or favour.

Stephen is the go-to economist for many businesses, investors, fund managers and the media. He is a regular contributor to Yahoo Finance and appears on television including the ABC, The Project and Sky and is regularly called upon to contribute to radio interviews across the country.

As a keynote speaker and panellist Stephen is asked to discuss the economy with audiences as diverse as the corporate world to school students – an affirmation of his ability to turn complex economic analysis into terms mere mortals can understand.

Stephen Koukoulas talks about:

The Housing Market

Housing – what is more important and topical for Australian consumers, investors and policy makers alike? And right now, house prices are surging, with low interest rates and pent-up demand from first home buyers driving the surge.

In this fast-paced & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:

•          House prices across cities and regions – there is some intriguing data on supply and demand and what that will mean for differences in prices from city to city.

•          Household debt remains high – how much more can Australian home owners take on?

•          Investors – what about rents? They were weak but now are rising.

•          Why it is always a good time to buy a house to live in!

Boosting Financial Security for All Australian Women

Stephen is the Economist in Residence for Economic Security for All Women, which operates through the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Stephen covers the following:

•          The gender pay and superannuation gaps

•          Affordable and accessible child care

•          Women owned and operated businesses

•          Financial education, awareness and literacy

•          The future of work

•          What can your business do to be a leader in this vital issue of equality?

•          What are other companies doing to detail with economic and financial security for women?

The Kouk’s Influencers – Keynote and Economist in Residence

Economics matters. Understanding where the economy is and where it is going will drive profits, investment decisions, employment opportunities and drive the conversation around social impact.

There are numerous influencers in the economy including (in no particular order):

•          Superannuation

•          Housing

•          Labour Market

•          The Next Federal Election

•          Retail Sector

•          Federal Budget

•          Gender Inequality

•          Interest Rates

•          Unemployment

As an Independent Economist and Social Commentator, Stephen can deliver a keynote, drive a panel discussion or become your Economist in Residence to deliver regular economic updates and commentary that affect you.

The Consumer and Retail Spending

Household spending accounts for over half of the economy – it is an important driver of whether times are good or bad. We consumers spent up big during COVID-19 but are now scaling back our spending.

In this high-energy & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:

•          Retail spending is slowing – consumers are holding back their spending

•          Consumers are feeling the effect of low wages growth, record debt levels, the end of JobKeeper

•          How weak will retail spending be and for how long?

•          What is needed to see a turnaround?

•          How should retailers react to what could be an erratic year ahead for spending?

The Labour Market

The post-COVID-19 era has seen the labour market in Australia transformed. Immigration has fallen to near zero which means local firms are increasingly relying on local workers.

Get the latest update and data from Stephen at your next meeting, event or conference.

The Economic Path Ahead    

•          The Australian economy

•          New goal – full employment

•          A wages boom?

•          How long will the strong growth, falling unemployment last?

•          Repairing the budget

•          Near zero interest rates will not last forever