Trump chaos driving bleak economic outlook

It reads like a dystopian sci-fi novel, but the latest IMF report on the global economy refuses to name the orange elephant in the room.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest World Economic Outlook report, its forecast for Australia, Angus Taylor’s Trumpy immigration policy announcement, and why immigration isn’t causing the housing crisis.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

The IMF refuses to name the cause of this global chaos. It starts with ‘Donald’ and ends in ‘Trump’ by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (April 2026)

World Economic Outlook: Global Economy in the Shadow of War, International Monetary Fund (April 2026)

Corporate profits increase inflation | Fact Sheet, the Australia Institute (November 2024)

Taylor has only ‘vibes and fumes’, no answers on migration by Amy Remeikis, The New Daily (April 2026)

The data shows Australia’s population growth isn’t out of control, it has simply returned to trend by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (March 2026)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Dollars & Sense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(100)

New world, same Reserve Bank

There’s a war on Iran choking global oil supplies, an artificial intelligence boom, and a US president torpedoing the global trading system, but inflation simply MUST be normal, according to the RBA. ...

1 Okt 30min

How the NT won Australia's race-to-the-bottom on online gambling regulation

Australia’s multibillion-dollar online gambling industry is effectively regulated by a Northern Territory body with no full-time staff, says Independent MLA Justine Davis. On this episode of Follow th...

30 Sep 28min

Placid Trump-Xi summit bucks Washington ‘consensus’ of ever-rising tensions

Last week’s Trump-Xi meeting delivered few tangible outcomes, but is a bigger shift in US-China relations under way? On this episode of After America, Professor James Laurenceson joins Dr Emma Shortis...

28 Sep 26min

What’s the point of inflation?

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains what’s really driving inflation in Australia and why interest rates aren’t actually the only way to control it. This episode was recorded...

28 Sep 17min

Will Australia "keep up and succeed"? Lessons from the Intergenerational Report

Artificial intelligence dominates the latest Intergenerational Report – but are multi-decade predictions about the rapidly changing technology any more than just a stab in the dark? On this episode of...

24 Sep 30min

The promise of a future: it’s time to phase out fossil fuels

Despite dire warnings from the scientific community and Australia’s Pacific neighbours, the federal government isn’t getting the message. On this episode of Follow the Money, Tuvalu Minister for Clima...

23 Sep 36min

Where are the red lines? Australia, genocide and international law

A new suite of legislation aims to ensure that Australia doesn’t fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide – but the federal government has blocked an inquiry into the bills. ...

21 Sep 29min

What’s the point of progressive politics?

The Prime Minister said he wants to promote ‘progressive patriotism’ – but his policies tell a different story. In this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard explains the dangers of centrism and what ...

21 Sep 22min