Past Event Overview
Australia’s economy is again at an important crossroads. Inflation remains a central challenge, interest rates continue to shape household demand and business investment, and productivity growth remains one of the most important long-term issues facing the country.
While Australia has significant advantages – including natural resources, strong institutions, proximity to Asia, industrial capability and major opportunities linked to energy transition and advanced manufacturing – the economy is also facing clear constraints. Higher costs, weak productivity growth, skills pressure, housing supply, infrastructure demands and a complex reform environment are all influencing Australia’s growth outlook.
This webinar examined the major economic forces shaping Australian business conditions and the broader outlook for industry.
Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities and Managing Director, HSBC Global Investment Research, provided a timely briefing on the economic outlook and the structural issues Australia needs to address to support stronger long-term growth.
Paul discussed key issues shaping the market, including:
- Australia’s productivity challenge
- The inflation outlook
- Interest rates and the economic outlook
- Structural reform: what Australia needs next
- The outlook for Australian industry, manufacturing, infrastructure and trade-exposed sectors
- The implications for business investment and industry confidence
- Global commodities and Australia’s economic position
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Zoom
Event Speaker
Paul Bloxham
Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities and Managing Director, HSBC Global Investment Research, HSBC Australia
Paul Bloxham is HSBC’s Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities and a Managing Director with HSBC Global Investment Research. Paul is one of Australia’s leading economic commentators, providing regular insight on the Australian economy, New Zealand, global markets, interest rates, inflation, monetary policy and commodity market trends.
His work focuses on the major economic forces shaping business conditions, investment decisions and national competitiveness. Paul brings a practical and evidence-based perspective on the outlook for inflation, interest rates, productivity, reform and global commodity markets.
This session was valuable for business leaders, steel industry participants, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, project owners, investors, policy stakeholders and anyone seeking a clear read on Australia’s economic outlook.