Small Business Finance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown

Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown

Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Australian citizens are currently navigating through an unprecedented economic phase, marked by the most prolonged recession per capita in the nation's history.
This downturn has extended through six consecutive quarters of declining economic output, with a total of seven declines across the last eight quarters.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its recent economic outlook, revised Australia's GDP growth projection for 2024 downwards-from an anticipated 1.5% growth to a more conservative 1.1%. Looking further ahead, it forecasts a gradual recovery with an expected GDP increase of 1.8% by 2025.

Despite these projections, Australia's population growth of 2.4% for the year ending June 2024 tends to exacerbate the per capita recession, hinting that this economic hardship might persist beyond previous expectations. The ramifications of these economic conditions are predominately felt by average households.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's steadfast approach in raising interest rates has placed a substantial burden on household budgets. This has led to a 2.4% reduction in household consumption from its apex in real per capita terms.

More noticeably, real per capita household disposable income plunged by an unprecedented 8% from its earlier highs. This constitutes the steepest decline observed in contemporary economic analysis according to recent statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

August figures from the ABS Household Spending Indicator reported stagnant spending in nominal terms, succeeding prior decreases of 0.5% in July and 0.1% in June. Robert Ewing, head of business statistics at ABS, observed, "Growth in household spending has stalled at the start of the financial year, even as the Federal government's Stage 3 tax cuts came into effect on 1 July".

An analytical depiction by Justin Fabo from Antipodean Macro, matched ABS Household Spending Indicator data with household consumption figures from quarterly national accounts. The analysis suggests a persisting frailty in these accounts throughout Q3, indicating that the current recession per capita is far from over.

The new policies, including the Stage 3 tax cuts designed to boost economic engagement and consumer spending, appear to have offered limited relief as the economy remains dormant. Acknowledging information from the original source, The OECD Digest, it's evident that while several measures are in play, the anticipated economic rejuvenation remains elusive.

Published:Tuesday, 8th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

ASIC Advocates for Stronger Oversight in Private Lending
ASIC Advocates for Stronger Oversight in Private Lending
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures within the nation's private lending sector. This call to action stems from findings that reveal inconsistencies and potential risks that could adversely affect both investors and borrowers. - read more
Australian SMEs Increasingly Opt for Non-Bank Lenders
Australian SMEs Increasingly Opt for Non-Bank Lenders
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a growing number opting for non-bank lenders over traditional banking institutions. This trend underscores the evolving needs and challenges faced by SMEs in the current economic climate. - read more


Business Loans Articles

Loan Refinancing Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Entrepreneurs
Loan Refinancing Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Entrepreneurs
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, particularly for startups. It refers to the amount of cash that comes in and goes out of a business. Proper management of this flow is crucial for the success and sustainability of new enterprises. Ensuring a positive cash flow allows businesses to meet their financial obligations, invest in growth opportunities, and manage unexpected expenses. - read more
Creative Strategies to Fund Your Franchise Without Breaking the Bank
Creative Strategies to Fund Your Franchise Without Breaking the Bank
Embarking on a franchise venture holds the promise of a prosperous future, but all too often, prospective franchisees are confronted with the substantial challenge of securing adequate funding to power their entrepreneurial dreams. With traditional financing routes frequently requiring significant up-front capital, the hurdle of funding becomes a formidable barrier for many. It is for this very reason that we must shine a spotlight on the validity of creative funding strategies that exist outside the conventional banking framework. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Business Loan Quote
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Fixed Income:
A type of investment that pays regular interest or dividends, such as bonds or preferred stocks.