Economy

After weeks of tumult over the economy, neither the Treasurer nor the Reserve Bank governor were trading blows on Tuesday. But it will only get tougher from here.

It's going to be another big week in macro, with the RBA's rate decision on Tuesday the headline event and big speeches to watch from Peter Dutton and Joe Hockey.

Economists are known for disagreeing with each other. But in terms of what they want to see from the next term of government, there is much common ground.

The Federal Reserve is widely expect to cut interest rates on Thursday morning, but experts say a disconnect between the US and Australia on monetary policy is likely to endure.

The shadow treasurer will hit out at government spending on Wednesday as he pitches the Coalition as the party of productivity gains and private sector-driven innovation.

While one of the biggest focuses of the week will be the Federal Reserve rate decision, there's also some critical data being released locally.

RBA officials are grappling with economic uncertainty, prompting speculation that rate cuts could come sooner than expected as forecasts and data evolve.

RBA insiders say the past week's public tensions over comments by Jim Chalmers have been 'frustrating'. And they may make the already tough job of reforming the central bank even harder.

After a busy week of economic data and debate, the focus shifts to RBA chief economist Sarah Hunter.

RBA governor Michele Bullock today refused to be drawn into the debate over Jim Chalmers' recent comments on interest rates, instead imploring people to focus on the real enemy: inflation.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has faced a barrage of media criticism this week over his comments on the impact of high interest rates on the economy. Is it justified?