If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pause will last. Job vacancies are also out and worth analysising. And we've got a rare 20 year snapshot from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Permanent Migration. It's really interesting reading/listening. We ask the big questions - what has it done for the economy, is the flow right, what's the impact on essential services (housing, health, roads) and how will it impact on inflation into the future. CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick and Westpac Group Senior Economist Jarek Kowcza join Gillian to discuss.

ABS Permanent Migration Release

<p>If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pause will last. Job vacancies are also out and worth analysising. And we've got a rare 20 year snapshot from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Permanent Migration. It's really interesting reading/listening. We ask the big questions - what has it done for the economy, is the flow right, what's the impact on essential services (housing, health, roads) and how will it impact on inflation into the future. CommBank Chief Economist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-halmarick-686a582a/">Stephen Halmarick</a> and Westpac Group Senior Economist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarekkowcza/">Jarek Kowcza</a> join <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-bowen-7b310215b/">Gillian</a> to discuss.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/permanent-migrants-australia/2021">ABS Permanent Migration Release</a></p>

Hosted and created by Senior Finance Reporter Gillian Bowen, Making Money Easy looks at finance and economic news and, with the help of some prominent economists and experts, breaks it down to what you need to know. The discussions in this podcast do not refer to your individual circumstances and do not give individual financial advice. You should seek your own independent advice, relevant to you, when making financial decisions.

Hosted and created by Senior Finance Reporter Gillian Bowen, Making Money Easy looks at finance and economic news and, with the help of some prominent economists and experts, breaks it down to what you need to know...

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