Australia: Economic Analysis

As energy shocks intensify and Australia's fuel-security vulnerabilities become more acute, businesses relying on imported liquid fuels face mounting pressure on margins and operations. This analysis examines how firms can move beyond short-term crisis management to build structural resilience through contract redesign, operational efficiency, fleet transformation, and supply chain reconfiguration.

Last week, the federal government announced the national interest framework for data centres and AI infrastructure. Key expectations emerging from the framework include aligning data centre projects with national interests, support for the energy transition, sustainable water use, and investment in local capability and the workforce.

Australia’s data centre sector is entering a new phase of regulatory oversight. Following our previous article on data centre usage and modular development, including the associated energy and cost benefits, the federal government’s recent announcement of a national interest framework for data centres and AI infrastructure is a timely introduction.

In the post-COVID business world, now is the time for advisors and their clients to assess the viability of the business.

Businesses will be able to take advantage of measures including asset write-offs, loss carry backs and hiring credits.

In light of this Reserve Bank of Australia economic statement, employers should consider their redundancy strategies.

Modest global growth is expected in 2015, as domestic demand in the US should withstand weakness in China and Europe.

Investors in global equities have benefitted from rising corporate profitability and the falling Australian dollar.

Valuations are not compelling, but we expect demand for equities to stay supported by the low interest rate environment.