Benchmark Analytics

Independent economic and financial services analysis

Original analysis of new Australian economic and financial-services data.

Subscribe Explore Political Data Alerts

Latest updates

14 Nov Is Compulsory Superannuation Actually Delivering for Australians? 13 Nov Australia Has Lost a Decade of Productivity Growth. Where Did the Gains Go? 12 Nov Businesses Are Losing Confidence in the RBA’s Inflation Target — Why This Is Dangerous

Latest analysis

Superannuation

Is Compulsory Superannuation Actually Delivering for Australians?

Australia's $4.77 trillion super system is growing. But how much is reaching ordinary members? Benchmark examines retirement balances, investment performance, fees and tax concessions.

Productivity

Australia Has Lost a Decade of Productivity Growth. Where Did the Gains Go?

Australia's productivity increased just 3.6% in twelve years. The gap between market and non-market performance raises serious questions about the country's economic future.

RBA

Businesses Are Losing Confidence in the RBA’s Inflation Target — Why This Is Dangerous

New research reveals Australian businesses are becoming less confident that the RBA will achieve its inflation target. Why this could undermine monetary policy and make future interest rate increases more painful.

Jim Chalmers

Why People are Briefing Against Jim Chalmers?

Australia's Treasurer is facing criticism from inside Labor as well as the Opposition. The reasons go beyond inflation and interest rates.

Bank Competition

Consumer Data Right: Australia's Open Banking Revolution Enters Its Next Phase

Australia's Consumer Data Right enters a critical new phase as non-bank lenders begin sharing customer financial data. We explain its history, why it matters for banking competition and what changes in 2027.

Benchmark Indicators

Australian economy at a glance

View all 15 indicators →

Political Data Alerts

Know what the new data means.

Priority monitoring and rapid analysis of the releases that matter to government relations, corporate affairs and policy teams.

Explore Political Data Alerts

More analysis

Public Sector Jobs

Australia's Public Sector Wage Blowout: $266.1 Billion and Climbing

Australia's public sector wage bill has climbed to $266.1 billion, an increase of $51.7 billion in three years. Are taxpayers receiving better services for the additional spending?

Victorian State Election

Upcoming Victorian State Election - Brief State of Play

Victoria votes on 28 November 2026 after 12 years of Labor government. A guide to the major parties, leading figures, election issues, polling and possible parliamentary arrangements.

Australian Economy

Iron Ore Prices Fall, But Australia's Trade Surplus Improves

Australia's trade surplus has improved sharply, but iron ore prices are falling. September's figures reveal the important distinction between export volumes, prices and economic prosperity.

Sylvester Stallone

Life Advice from Sylvester Stallone

Five life lessons from Sylvester Stallone's autobiography, The Steps, on resilience, ambition, persistence and the hidden costs of success.

Israel

Israel's Arab parties win a record 19 seats: What does this tell us about its democracy?

Arab-led parties won a record 19 Knesset seats in Israel's 2026 election. We explain their histories, differences with Likud and what their electoral success reveals about Israeli political institutions.

China

China's economy is slowing. Why Australia's iron ore exporters should be concerned

China's manufacturing and construction activity contracted in October, with construction new orders falling to 40.0. We explain the PMI figures and the implications for Australian iron ore exports.

Us MIdterm Elections

US politics fundamentally changed

The 2026 US midterm elections have delivered historic Democratic victories in Texas. With major implications for the Electoral College, immigration and government spending, the results raise a fundamental question about the future direction of American politics.

House Prices

Why building a house keeps getting more expensive, even as demand weakens

House-building costs continue to rise despite softer demand. New ABS figures show how skilled labour shortages and competition from infrastructure and data centres affect housing supply.

Independent economic and financial services analysis

Latest analysis

Australian economy at a glance

Know what the new data means.

More analysis

Independent analysis when decisions matter

Never miss new Benchmark analysis