Time to Stop the Stimulus | BTalk Australia

By Phil Dobbie | September 2, 2009

BNET Australia Contributors

Aussie Rules

Biography

BNET Australia Contributors

BNET Australia Contributors
Phil Dobbie has a wealth of radio and business experience. In his BTalk Australia podcast, he provides a lively and insightful view on business issues.
Brian Haverty is editorial director for CBS Interactive Australia and is responsible for the company's BNET and ZDNet Australia sites.
Robert Gerrish is a coach, author and professional speaker and the founder of Flying Solo, an Australian online community for solo business owners.
Melissa Lourenco is the HR manager for CBS Interactive in Australia.
Chris Golis is the author of The Humm Handbook: Lifting Your Level of Emotional Intelligence. He runs seminars and workshops on EQ.
Suzi Dafnis is Community Director of the Australian Businesswomen's Network.
Yvonne Adele helps organisations build a culture of ideas by teaching people at all levels to access their untapped creative thinking skills.
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Neal Stoughton

Neal Stoughton

(Episode 322; 14 minutes 41) As Australia officially avoids a recession the government is weakening its resolve on its economic stimulus package. Treasurer Wayne Swan said last week that a premature withdrawal would “knee-cap” our recovery. Yesterday, when the latest national accounts showed that Australian GDP grew again last quarter, he indicated a staged withdrawal of the stimulus measures from the end of this year.

Professor Neal Stoughton, Head of Banking and Finance at the Australian School of Business, says Australia’s international trade is driving growth in the economy and there is little evidence that stimulus from the government has had any effect anyway.

The leading indicator for the health of an economy, he argues, is the share market which has rebounded markedly since March.

Australian, UK & US shares - compiled by Phil Dobbie

Australian, UK & US shares - compiled by Phil Dobbie

So what does Neal Stoughton have to say about Steve Keen’s view that the economy remains unbalanced, with this year seeing the highest ever debt to GDP ratio (see “The Bear in a Bull Market“)?

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