Australia in 2008 provides demographic, economic, and consumer spending forecasts for 2008 and 2009 and also analyses opportunities and risks. It provides survey data on what consumers expect to happen, a major factor which will influence their behaviour in 2008.
As at August 2007, there are risks aplenty. The US sub-prime mortgage shake-out threatens economic growth in America and has caused volatility in stock markets. The Australian dollar has lost value threatening an increase in the price of imports. Interest rates have increased and appear likely to rise further. Hurricane Dean is bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico and may disrupt oil supplies – perhaps leading to another spike in oil prices. There may be a change in government in Australia.
Of course there are opportunities too, including a pickup in the number of births and overall population growth amongst others Also, we identify who the big spenders are so that they can be better targeted.
This is the third annual report in the series, which started with Australia in 2006.
The Australia in 2008 report will be released in November 2007 and it will be preceded by a preview report in September 2007. The preview report will contain some economic scenarios, assess the likelihood of Labor winning the federal election, and analyse the mood of consumers.
More information about Australia in 2008