30 March 2024
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Craig James

Craig James is CommSec’s Chief Economist.

On leaving school Craig James joined the (then) Rural Bank, whilst undertaking university studies. He received his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at University of NSW in 1984 and then a Master of Commerce (Economics) at the same university in 1988.

He remained at the Rural Bank, which became the State Bank over time and then Colonial, working in branches, Corporate, Planning and Economic Research.

He became chief economist of Colonial Group in September 1987, before becoming chief economist at CommSec in August 2000 with the Commonwealth takeover of Colonial.

In 2002 Craig had a sea-change, joining the Australian Financial Review. He had always wanted to pursue a role in journalism and enjoyed the role as an economic commentator and analysts, finding that he could pursue a journalistic-type role as well as doing more electronic media work at CommSec and rejoined the group in 2003.

On taking the reigns of chief economist at Colonial, Craig endeavoured to style their research in a “user-friendly” way – something that set their research apart and still does today. The approach has been successful in their media work and in promoting Colonial, and then CommSec, to the general public. CommSec is the most quoted economic group in the mainstream media.

CommSec economic reports are a bit different in that they devise tools such as the ‘Mums and Dads’ share index and the iPod index, and undertake research on the weather and demographic changes to show how they affect the economy.

Craig currently does around 2-3 regular TV crosses a day, ad hoc radio and newspaper interviews and writes regular commentaries as well as presenting to staff, clients and external organisations.

Outside work, Craig's main interests are athletics (cross country in winter), weight training, reading widely across a range of newspapers, magazines and electronic media, and trying to keep up with the children.

31 March 2021
The week ahead

The Australian economic calendar will be dominated by information on key industry sectors and Reserve Bank events.

11 December 2020
Australia: Mid-Year Review, jobs, population and wealth are the highlights

The wind-down to Christmas and the New Year is underway. But there are still a few statistical hurdles to clear before Christmas, including the all-important November labour force report.

4 December 2020
Australia: Bevy of insights into the economy

The year may be coming to an end but there is no end to the amount of insightful data to assist investors with their investment and budget planning decisions.

27 November 2020
Australia: Summer sizzler

A quirk of the statistical schedule is that each change of season is ushered in by a barrage of economic data and events. And there will be more than a dozen indicators released over the first week of Summer.

13 November 2020
Australia: Reserve Bank and jobs in focus

In a huge week for Aussie investors, speeches from Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe will feature along with the Board’s November meeting minutes.

9 November 2020
Good morning, Australia

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

6 November 2020
Australia: Business & consumer sentiment in focus

The NAB business survey and a number of consumer sentiment surveys are in focus in the coming week.

26 October 2020
Good morning, Australia

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

23 October 2020
Australia: Inflation in focus

In Australia over the coming week, the September quarter readings on inflation will dominate proceedings.

19 October 2020
Good morning, Australia

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

16 October 2020
Australia: Reserve Bank Board minutes and more in focus

In Australia over the coming week, the highlights are a speech from the Deputy Reserve Bank Governor and the preliminary retail trade report. The Reserve Bank’s Board minutes will be heavily scrutinised for clues about a potential interest rate cut.

12 October 2020
Good morning, Australia

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

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