Stephen Koukoulas Book as a speaker/entertainer for your next event
Key Points for Stephen Koukoulas
- Stephen Koukoulas is an Independent Economist whose views and analysis are presented without fear or favour.
- He has real-world experience from his roles in the Federal Treasury, as Chief Economist of Citibank, Head of Global Research for TD Securities in London and as Senior Economic Advisor to the Australian Prime Minister.
- He regularly appears on TV and radio and regularly contributes articles to The Guardian, Yahoo 7 and The Constant Investor and is the Author of several books.
- Is the go-to economist for many businesses, investors, fund managers and the media.
Topics for Stephen Koukoulas
- The housing market
Housing – what is more important and topical for Australian consumers, investors and policy makers alike? And right now, house prices are surging, with low interest rates and pent-up demand from first home buyers driving the surge.
But beware! Australia’s immigration is near zero; yet there are over 180,000 new dwellings being built each year. Unless the international borders open soon, there will be a huge oversupply problem and that spells the price boom in early 2021 ending.
The big question – will prices fall and if so, when?
Making matters more intense is the weakness in wages and growing prospects for interest rate increases in 2022.
In this fast-paced & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:- House prices across cities and regions – there is some intriguing data on supply and demand and what that will mean for differences in prices from city to city.
- Household debt remains high – how much more can Australian home owners take on?
- Investors - what about rents? They were weak but now are rising.
- Why it is always a good time to buy a house to live in!
- Boosting financial security for all Australian women
Stephen is the Economist in Residence for Economic Security for All Women, which operates through the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Stephen has written white papers, issues reports and analysed the issues that impact gender inequality and the financial security of all Australian women. He presents his research and findings to various Parliamentary Committees and continues to advise on gender inequality and women’s financial security issues.
This very topical and relevant subject matter makes for a perfect additional Keynote Topic for Stephen.
Stephen covers the following:- The gender pay and superannuation gaps.
- Affordable and accessible child care.
- Women owned and operated businesses.
- Financial education, awareness and literacy.
- The future of work
What can your business do to be a leader in this vital issue of equality?
What are other companies doing to detail with economic and financial security for women? - The Kouk's influencers – Keynote and economist in residence
Economics matters. Understanding where the economy is and where it is going will drive profits, investment decisions, employment opportunities and drive the conversation around social impact.
This is why the weekly run of economic news is so important. Keeping up to date with these trends, what they mean for interest rates, the Australian dollar and financial markets is the key to staying ahead of the pack. It is also where policy issues are so important. And this is not just interest rates, but what the government does on tax, spending and changes to rules and regulations.
And of course, the critical thing is what to do about this news, how it might impact your business, your clients and your personal finances.
There are numerous influencers in the economy including (in no particular order):- Superannuation
- Housing
- Labour Market
- The Next Federal Election
- Retail Sector
- Federal Budget
- Gender Inequality
- Interest Rates
Unemployment
As an Independent Economist and Social Commentator, Stephen can deliver a keynote, drive a panel discussion or become your Economist in Residence to deliver regular economic updates and commentary that affect you.
- The consumer and retail spending
Household spending accounts for over half of the economy – it is an important driver of whether times are good or bad. We consumers spent up big during COVID-19 but are now scaling back our spending.
What is the outlook for what we buy, how we spend our money and how much we are likely to spend?
Consumers are being pushed and pulled - limiting new spending because wages growth is weak and household debt is high but are benefitting from rising wealth on the back of rising house price and the lift in the stock market.
In this high-energy & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:- Retail spending is slowing – consumers are holding back their spending.
- Consumers are feeling the effect of low wages growth, record debt levels, the end of JobKeeper.
- How weak will retail spending be and for how long?
- What is needed to see a turnaround?
- How should retailers react to what could be an erratic year ahead for spending?
- The labour market
The post-COVID-19 era has seen the labour market in Australia transformed. Immigration has fallen to near zero which means local firms are increasingly relying on local workers.
This had led to skills shortages in some areas, that will only be addressed if higher wages are paid.
Female workforce participation has increased as the economy has recovered from the COVID-19 recession.
Amid all of these changes, wages growth remains weak – near record lows.
An issue to watch for is that for the first time in a decade, rising wages costs, as firms compete for workers. There is tentative evidence of this in some sectors.
What does this mean for you, your business and your employees and the economy in general?
Get the latest update and data from Stephen at your next meeting, event or conference.
Testimonials for Stephen Koukoulas
Stephen was fantastic on the day and really engaged the audience, however, he was also well organised providing the PowerPoint presentation when it was needed and also arrived an hour and half before he was required.
Master Builders SA
The response was very positive. Stephen was able to communicate what is quite technical, to [become] an engaging and informative discussion.
Learning & Development Manager
Strata Community Association
Not only is Stephen a truly remarkable speaker to work with, he captivates a room with his presence, especially on a topic that can be quite dry, he has the audience wanting more. The attendees loved him, the content, the energy, the excitement and the optimism. Stephen exceeded my expectations in all aspects and I would love the opportunity to be able to work with him again. Not only was he great for our attendees he was hands down my favourite speaker to work with, everything we asked of him he delivered and went above and beyond. Cannot recommend Stephen enough!
Events Executive
UDIA QLD
Stephen presented on what can be very technical, dry themes in a highly engaging manner that resonated with a broad audience. A number of our attendees said it was the best presentation they had seen from an Economist on the current market.
Grant Thornton
Stephen was a hit again and the attendees seemed to really appreciate his information sharing and wealth of knowledge. The way Stephen communicates with the audience using humour is really well received!
Rockwell Automation
One of the most articulate economists in Australia.
Alan Kohler
Author and ABC TV journalist
One of Australia's most influential economists.
The Australian Financial Review
The Prime Minister's Office has placed a premium on economic and policy advice recruiting high-profile market economist, Stephen Koukoulas.
The Australian Financial Review
I've only heard great things about your presentation at the breakfast – so thank you. Clients and staff all raved about you – how engaging, thought provoking and entertaining you were. You made the content come alive.
Head of communication
Randstad
The feedback from the participants has been fantastic. You really make a serious subject interesting and engaging!
HR
Wesfarmers Insurance
Stephen has a way of making economics fun and relevant – 10/10.
MFAA
As I go around and speak to the economists, I can't help but be drawn to Mr Koukoulas, who is well known to those on the other side of the House.
Treasurer of Australia
Liberal Party of Australia