Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) Blog

In today’s show property insider Edwin Almeida and I discuss the “real estate virus” and how it mutates faster than regulators attempts to control it, plus the latest on the fall-out from the Iran conflict and the hit to households incoming from a potential rate rise. Politicians will be able to blame “the war” for … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

Suddenly the media reporting on auction clearance statistics for the weekend have changed. For example, the AFR trumpets “‘Fear and anxiety' grips auction market” with the line “Australia's east-coast-dominated housing market is cooling, with more homes being offered for sale at the same time as prospective buyers grow cautious about the cost of living and … Continue reading "Slowly, Then Quickly As “Fear Grips” The Property Market!"

This is our weekly market update, where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto along the way. Sometimes, events change thinking, and this week harsh reality crept across global markets. Investors, central banks and ordinary consumers alike are being held hostage as Brent rose … Continue reading "Markets, Households & Businesses All Held Over A Barrel!"

With the current oil price spiking thanks to the current Middle East conflict, Head of Investments from Nucleus Wealth and Walk The World Funds, Damien Klassen and I discuss the relative economics of EV’s versus oil driven cars. With Oil north of $100 a barrel, the analysis reveals some significant insights into the markets in … Continue reading "The EV Versus Oil Toss-Up; In The Current Context: With Damian Klassen"

Our latest surveys highlight that BOTH property renters AND property investors are facing significant challenges, given the low levels of supply, rising costs and regulatory intervention. The truth is the system is broken, as APRA tries to clamp down on highly leveraged loans, even as the growth in investor lending outstrips owner occupied lending, while … Continue reading "Property Investors And Property Renters BOTH Being Crushed!"

Sorry to say, but households, already under the pump as I discussed in my live show yesterday are going to face more pain in the months ahead as interest rates rise and inflation breaks higher. It was already trending that way, but the conflict in the Middle East is making things worse, and despite some … Continue reading "Hold On! Rates And Inflation Are Going Up! But Why?"

In this edit of a live show we examined the latest data from our surveys, and the distribution of financial stress across the country. With the prospect of higher interest rates and and the Iran situation this is more important than ever. Find out where the key pressure points are. 0:00 Introduction3:22 Oil Crisis and … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Mapping Household Finances As Pressures Rise And Incomes Fall!"

In tonight’s rant Edwin, our property insider and I discuss the latest from the middle east and specifically how it may impact Australia, and Australian property! We are seeing a range of issues bubbling up which may well impact households and property across the country. But not all property is impacted in the same way. … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

This is our weekly market update where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia covering commodities and crypto along the way. As expected, the broadening conflict in the middle east spooked markets as Oil rose with WTI up more than 35% and LNG gas futures up 67%. As … Continue reading "Brace: Markets Caught In A Volatile Trap As War, Jobs And Credit Risks All Hit!"

The Australian Property appears to be at an inflection point, with prices in Melbourne and Sydney at an aggregate level stalling, and growth easing elsewhere, as the impact of higher interest rates and degraded affordability hit home. In addition, the negative news from the Gulf, and the wider potential economic fallout, as well as stalling … Continue reading "Truth And Lies About The Property Market"

Recent events surrounding Iran are the core of this weeks discussion with journalist Tarric Brooker. Using his great slides we dive into the potential consequences of the raging war, and examine the potential economic and politics consequences. Even Australia, a world away will not be immune. And we also consider the latest on housing and … Continue reading "Its The End Of The World As We Know It! With Tarric Brooker"

Today we got the latest data from the ABS relating to Household Spending . Overall, the story continues, with households spending more on things they must buy, and less on things they choose to buy. And importantly Household consumption did not deliver the expected strength in the GDP data yesterday as many households remain under … Continue reading "What They Don't Tell You About Household Spending!"

Well, well, the government maybe celebrating strong economic growth figures, but it makes it more likely the RBA will increase rates sooner rather than later. So good news is perhaps also bad news. Money markets are now pricing in a 33 per cent chance of a second rate increase from the Reserve Bank later this … Continue reading "Stronger Growth In the Rear View Mirror, Yes, But…"

This is an edit of a live show where I was be joined by Head of Investments At Nucleus Wealth and Walk The World Funds, Damien Klassen. We examined the current market dynamics in the light of the war in Iran, and its potential fallout. What does it mean for markets, and how might it … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Investing In A Time Of Conflict: With Damien Klassen"

In our latest property rant, property insider Edwin Almeida and I discuss the rise (sic) of high-rise, noise and other pressures in apartment living, the fall out from the middle east conflict on property, CGT reform which is nothing of the sort, and the rapid fall in the number of rental properties listed for rent. … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

First introduced in the 1980s, capital gains tax (CGT) is back in the headlines in early 2026 because potential changes to CGT rules are being discussed ahead of the federal budget, alongside a Senate inquiry that's examining how the tax is applied. On 4 November 2025, the Senate resolved that the Select Committee on the … Continue reading "Will Changes To CGT Spook The Property Market?"

This is our weekly market update where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto along the way. Financial and tech stocks were hit hard by a handful of persistent investor worries on Friday, with U.S. stocks suffering their largest monthly percentage declines in a … Continue reading "Here Come The Cockroaches: Stagflation City Ahead!"

Earlier in the week we got the latest monthly release from the ABS on inflation, which I briefly covered in the economic update show earlier. These figures are part of a new series that will eventually replace quarterly inflation data which remains the RBA's benchmark release for now. In a speech last Tuesday, Michael Plumb, … Continue reading "Spinning Australia Into Oblivion!"

Another report on the housing crisis, this one from Domain, who just released their first-home buyer report 2026. So, we look at their findings and compare the trends with what is happening in New Zealand. Our Kiwi cousins can teach us a thing or two! Domain says Australia remains one of the most challenging housing … Continue reading "No Housing For You, Or You, Or You!"

This is my edit our our monthly economic and housing update recorded with Nuggets News. In this edition we examine the State of the Union, AI, Market Dynamics, the Australian Economy, housing, and much much more. What are the latest polls really telling us, and where are markets headed? http://www.martinnorth.com/ Details of our one to … Continue reading "Its A Clown Show! Economic Update February 2026"

In our latest show with Property Insider Edwin Almeida, we bell the cat on bad practices in the real estate industry, examine the impact of planning changes on property prices, ask why listings are rising and consider the implications on owners and renters in the months ahead. Buckle-up! If you are buying your home in … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

The latest auction clearance rate data for the week to 22nd February 2026 showed that of the 2,831 listed auctions across the country according to Cotality, 51% of those reported were sold. The number coming to market was higher this past week, as you would expect now the holiday period has passed, but if you … Continue reading "Hot Property Market: Or Not?"

So, on the surface at least, market reaction to news that the US Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump's infamous tariff regime looks pretty muted. Actually, the world's most important equity market was on track for an even better day until the Court's decision was announced, and then dipped suddenly. Supreme Justice Gorsuch … Continue reading "Markets Look Past Tariff Mayhem For Now; But…"

I am joined by Journalist Tarric Brooker to examine the latest data with a deep focus on what is happening to those aged 25-34, in terms of income, birth rates and other data. The demographic shocks keep coming, thanks to years of poor Government policy. The consequences for the country and other generations too are … Continue reading "Is Australia Doomed? With Tarric Brooker"

Mortgage Holders should brace for more hikes in the cash rate this year as today we got the latest data from the ABS relating to the Labour market, though perhaps savers can rejoice! There was no change in the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate which remained at 4.1 per cent in January, while the trend measure … Continue reading "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Means More Rate Hikes Incoming!"

I highlighted last week the arcane discussion in Senate estimates about measuring earnings growth across the Australian economy. Senator Canavan suggested there was some gaslighting going on as the RBA pivot away from the so called wage price index, to a measure which includes people shifting jobs, reported in the national accounts as average earnings. … Continue reading "15 Years Of “No Real Income Growth”?"

This is an edit of a live show where I was joined by Robbie Barwick and we examined the current apparent rise of the Police State, the removal of civil rights, and greater corporate and political control. Where are we headed, and what can we do? Robert Barwick is the National Chairman of The Australian … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A Replay: Australia’s Future In The Balance; Act Now! With Robbie Barwick"

In a special show I am joined by Jennie Tonner, a Licensed Conveyancer and President of the NSW Association, as well as property insider Edwin Almeida to explore the critical issues surrounding property transfers at the moment. Due to speed compression within the property industry, a poor understanding of the critical role a Conveyancer has, … Continue reading "Property Rant Special: Caveat Emptor: Is It A Myth In 2026?"

First we have the latest round of auction clearance rates in from the weekend sales, from both Domain and Cotality. Of course, not all results have landed, and as I have explained before, agents are quick to report successful results, less so to admit failures. Cotality reported that the clearance rate which is calculated as … Continue reading "Don't Get Caught As The Property Market Turns!"

Another week and more volatility, as fears over AI investment profiles and wildfire AI disruption rippled across sectors including insurance brokers, wealth advisors, real estate services and logistics. Conflicting economic indicators also amplified uncertainty, though in the end Gold remained a buttress against the storm. The Global MSCI Index was flat for the week, while … Continue reading "Volatility, Rise And Repeat…"

It’s Edwin’s Birthday, but he still found time to share his latest thoughts on the property market, which it seems is exhibiting some interesting characteristics; from price rises, to falling auction clearance rates, via falling affordability. We also dive into the question of property surveys again, as the MSM finally catch up, and the UK … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

This past week marks an important turning point in the raging bull of the Australian property market. So perhaps it's time to rethink fair value, despite the fact a recent poll from a November 13–26 survey of 15 property analysts showed national home prices rising around 8% this year and 6.9% in 2026, up from … Continue reading "Property Fools Us Again?"

This is our weekly market update where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia, and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto along the way. Generally, markets trend higher in December, in the so-called Santa rally as traders position to maximise end of year returns. So, after last week's shemozzle is Santa … Continue reading "Is A Santa Rally Back On The Agenda Now?"

With all the noise over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday we want people to think about whether there are REAL deals out there, or if its simply credit induced spin which could lead to tears later. So we look at the latest data on credit, and especially the rise of Buy Now Pay Later … Continue reading "Black Friday Sales May End In Grief…."

As I have been highlighting, lending for mortgages has been growing way faster than inflation, including for investor borrowers, and this is first lifting prices because the growth of credit is one of the stronger levers of home price growth, along side higher migration, but also put more households in high-debt to income scenarios, while … Continue reading "Banks' Home Lending Mobbed By A Wet Lettuce (Again)!"

This is my edit of our monthly housing and economic update recorded in conjunction with Nuggets News. In this months edition, I explore the latest developments in AI, the crypto ructions, the Australian housing market and the recent economic data which raises some important questions as we barrel into then end of 2025. http://www.martinnorth.com/ Details … Continue reading "The Economic Chickens Are Coming Home To Roost!"

This is a edit of a live show where we took a deep to dive into the market psychology which is driving markets, property and gold, with Investment Manager Tony Locantro, and asked whether there is more sentiment than logic at play, as financial markets have dropped recently, though Australian property is on the up, … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Market Psychology Ups And Downs: With Tony Locantro"

Could it be that the momentum in the property market is taking an early bath, as we slide into summer? Well, certainly according to the AFR, the diminishing prospects of an interest rate cut any time soon have dampened buyers' spirits and caused the auction clearance rate to slip below 70 per cent as the … Continue reading "Property Markets Slide Into Summer?"

This is my weekly market update, where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto along the way. Just like days one and two of the first ashes test in Perth, where wickets fell and innings collapsed fast, the financial markets this week experienced a … Continue reading "A Wild Ride To Nowhere As Markets Bite Back!"

Strip back the political spin, and its clear Australia faces a weak economy ahead, based on a rising structural deficit, and falling productivity. The Titanic and Icebergs springs to mind, as an unsinkable ship sank, and strong migration, Government support for households, and a growing public sector will not be enough to turn the ship … Continue reading "Australia's Titanic Moment Approaches, As Spin Overrides Reality!"

This is an edit of a special live Q&A show, featuring Robbie Barwick, National Chairman, National Research Director and 2025 Senate Candidate for Victoria for the Australian Citizens Party. https://citizensparty.org.au/ Robbie recently returned from a study tour across China, and in this show you can question him about what he observed during the trip. This … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: A Bull In A China Shop: Ask Robbie Barwick Live!"

Australia's annual wage growth remained elevated last quarter, underscoring a tight labor market and persistently weak productivity and suggesting inflationary pressures may take time to cool in a challenge for policy makers. For the Reserve Bank of Australia, it means an interest rate cut in the near term remains unlikely. In addition wages growth is … Continue reading "The Inconvenient Truth About The Wages Price Index “Good News”"

This is an edit of a live stream where we dived into the economic maelstrom which is Australia, with Chief Economist Leith van Onselen, co-founder of Macrobusiness, and at Nucleus Wealth. We seem to be hit by an series of bad policies, which are degrading the outcomes for many households, yet Canberra seems stuck in … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Time To Stop The Economic Shadow Boxing: With Leith van Onselen"

From underquoting to AML, and from asbestos contamination to energy policy, we cover it all on this weeks rant with our property insider Edwin Almeida. It seems the economics of real estate agents are changing, and creating a challenging environment, as we head into the summer slow down. Yet another reason why some are being … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

Now as the AFR reported fines for underquoting in NSW will be increased by five times as the state government cracks down on real estate agents' use of misleading price guides in a hot market where buyers are already scrambling to secure a home. Under tough new rules proposed for the state, agents will have … Continue reading "Gazumping and Underquoting City…"

This is our weekly market update, where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto along the way. We got another major dose of uncertainty this week, with doubts about FED rate cuts, Trumps tariff U turns reacting to US affordability issues, rising doubts about … Continue reading "The Bulls Are Getting Airsick, As Reality Bites!"

In this week’s Friday evening chat, journalist Tarric Brooker and I dive into the contentious issues surrounding housing costs in Australia. The latest data tells a sorry story for ordinary Australians, while the political class seem to be driving in a different direction. Tarric’s slides were extra insightful today, and you can see them here: … Continue reading "Australia's Housing Costs Go Ballistic: With Tarric Brooker"

One of the worst decisions the ABS made was to reduce the reporting of new lending trends from monthly to quarterly, delaying of course any reactions from regulators, or commentary from analysts. And today’s quarterly release relating to the September confirms what we had suspected, namely that the number of investment loans in the September … Continue reading "Investor Loans Go Boom!"

Today we dive into the latest analysis from our Household Surveys with a focus on household cash flows, and where financial pressure, as measured by rental and mortgage stress is most extreme, across post code. Whilst some are benefitting from the “wealth effect”, many are being left stranded. Details of our one to one service … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Can Households Balance Their Books? – Insights Into Family Finances …"

Another week, more stupidity across property, as Edwin and I look at the latest news and statistics. We cover the question of mortgage fraud, poor quality construction, and why Edwin believes the Real Estate industry is in for a shock, as reports of underquoting, and slowing sales appear. If you are buying your home in … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

Today we examine the difference between the scientific “deductive” method we use in our surveys to examine households and their finances in our surveys and the “induction” method economists tend to use. We walk through results from our latest analysis, ahead of the upcoming live show on Tuesday. Link for that show is here: https://youtu.be/3eDnmurg_G0 … Continue reading "Can Households Balance Their Books? – Insights Into Family Finances …"