The Australian economy was fragile in 2019, that was despite the deployment of some additional stimulus mid-year. There was a distinct lack of momentum nationally and across the states heading into 2020 - with weakness centred on home building and the consumer. Of particular concern, declining per capita consumer spending during 2019, in each state except WA and Tasmania. The start to the new year was a very turbulent one, with bushfires and drought and then the outbreak of COVID-19. The virus quickly spread from our number one trading partner, China, going around the globe. Events have been moving quickly in the ... (full story)