Invest
Australian economy back to pre-COVID levels by 2021
The Australian economy is expected to bounce back to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021 as wins on the health front and aggressive government policy have limited damage while boosting business and consumer confidence, an industry expert has revealed.
Australian economy back to pre-COVID levels by 2021
The Australian economy is expected to bounce back to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021 as wins on the health front and aggressive government policy have limited damage while boosting business and consumer confidence, an industry expert has revealed.
While being buoyed by overall prospects of the Australian economy Janus Henderson Investors’ Australian fixed-interest investment strategist Frank Uhlenbruch said new outbreaks of COVID in Sydney and Melbourne and Australia’s relationship with China show Australia is not completely out of the woods.
“We still look for the Australian economy to rebound by around 5 per cent over 2021, though the latest outbreaks and reintroduction of state border controls have increased downside risks,” Mr Uhlenburch predicted.
“While a 5 per cent growth rate looks very high, we don’t expect the economy to reach the end of 2019 levels until late 2021.”
Mr Uhlenbruch added that the fund manager expected the economy to reach end-2019 levels in late 2021, as the “slack” built up in terms of unemployment and wage suppression would take a number of months to recoup.

“The economy will have built up considerable slack and this will continue to show up in an elevated unemployment rate, low rate of wages growth and inflation rate below the RBA’s 2 -3 per cent target band,” he said.
“With the cash rate now at 0.10 per cent and the RBA reluctant to move into a negative rate regime, further easing, if needed, is likely to come in quantitative form.”
Mr Uhlenbruch told investors that historically low-interest rates will persist for the next couple of years driving demand for income-producing assets.
“The preconditions for a shift in accommodative policy remain ‘outcome’ based. Fiscal policy will move from accommodation to consolidation only when the unemployment rate falls below 6 per cent,” he explained.
“Monetary conditions will only normalise (first tightening in a new cycle) when actual inflation is sustainably in the 2 -3 per cent RBA target band and the labour market is at full employment. We do not see these outcomes being achieved over the next couple of years.”
About the author
About the author
Economy
RBA May Consider Early Rate Hike Amidst Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Australia's economic landscape is witnessing a dynamic shift as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) grapples with the implications of recent growth figures and inflationary pressures. The latest GDP ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
Economy
RBA May Consider Early Rate Hike Amidst Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Australia's economic landscape is witnessing a dynamic shift as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) grapples with the implications of recent growth figures and inflationary pressures. The latest GDP ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
