Stephen Koukoulas

• 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.
  
  But beware! Australia’s immigration is near zero; yet there are over 180,000 new dwellings being built each year. Unless the international borders open soon, there will be a huge oversupply problem and that spells the price boom in early 2021 ending.
  
  The big question – will prices fall and if so, when?
  
  Making matters more intense is the weakness in wages and growing prospects for interest rate increases in 2022.
  
  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 has written white papers, issues reports and analysed the issues that impact gender inequality and the financial security of all Australian women. He presents his research and findings to various Parliamentary Committees and continues to advise on gender inequality and women’s financial security issues.
  
  This very topical and relevant subject matter makes for a perfect additional Keynote Topic for Stephen.
  
  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.
  
  This is why the weekly run of economic news is so important. Keeping up to date with these trends, what they mean for interest rates, the Australian dollar and financial markets is the key to staying ahead of the pack. It is also where policy issues are so important. And this is not just interest rates, but what the government does on tax, spending and changes to rules and regulations.
  
  And of course, the critical thing is what to do about this news, how it might impact your business, your clients and your personal finances.
  
  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.
  
  What is the outlook for what we buy, how we spend our money and how much we are likely to spend?
  
  Consumers are being pushed and pulled - limiting new spending because wages growth is weak and household debt is high but are benefitting from rising wealth on the back of rising house price and the lift in the stock market.
  
  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.
  
  This had led to skills shortages in some areas, that will only be addressed if higher wages are paid.
  
  Female workforce participation has increased as the economy has recovered from the COVID-19 recession.
  
  Amid all of these changes, wages growth remains weak – near record lows.
  
  An issue to watch for is that for the first time in a decade, rising wages costs, as firms compete for workers. There is tentative evidence of this in some sectors.
  
  What does this mean for you, your business and your employees and the economy in general?
  
  Get the latest update and data from Stephen at your next meeting, event or conference.