Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) Blog

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…"

The Senate Estimates process is always worth a watch, as it can be more spicy than the Lower House version, where entities from the RBA through to Treasury, and other Government entities are questioned by Senators. This past week we had the RBA on the stand, following the recent rate rise and the release of … Continue reading "Who Is Gaslighting Who?"

In a desperate attempt to keep GDP growth positive, Australia has been upping their intake of people into the country, especially since the COVID years. Actually, Australian net migration hit a record 530,000 in 2022-23, but since then net migration has fallen to 430,000 in 2023-24, then 305,000 in 2024-25. Treasury currently forecasts a further … Continue reading "People-Based QE Is The Name Of The Game!"

We finally got the 4th Quarter Lending Stats from the ABS, checks calendar, in the middle of February, and while there was an increase in first homebuyers encouraged into the market by high LVR loan availability this was overshadowed by the growth owner occupiers and investors. And we see that average loan sizes were materially … Continue reading "Home Lending Boomed Higher Before The RBA Hiked!"

This is an edit of a live show where I walked though our latest household finance and property analysis with a focus on price and financial, mortgage and rental stress. We looked at a list of post codes which our followers asked us to review. Below the hood we reveal some concerning trends, and significant … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: A Deep Dive Into Our Household And Property Data"

In this edition, our property insider Edwin Almeida and I dig into the impact of AI, the need for caveat emptor, analysis of the latest numbers, and the interesting trends in auctions, and listings. Edwin also shares details of a special guest on next weeks show. If you are buying your home in Sydney’s contentious … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

The media was full of “news” about auction clearance rates this week, claiming that despite the RBA rate rise in the week, things were still hot and homebuyers seem unperturbed by the prospect of further rate hikes from the RBA. Just remember that much of the media is linked to the property sector, so we … Continue reading "The “Hot” Auctions, Which Are Not So Hot…"

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. Markets got a real workout this week, with some of the biggest falls, followed by strong buying in the final session in New York, with the Dow … Continue reading "Market Calisthenics, As Investors Buy Dips, Rotate, And Speculate!"

In our latest Friday afternoon discussion Journalist Tarric Brooker and I take a deep dive into the latest data, with some surprising results. Beyond the headlines, there are greater truths to be found, if you know where to look. Tarric’s charts are here: https://www.burnouteconomics.com/p/dfa-chart-pack-6th-february-2026 http://www.martinnorth.com/ Details of our one to one service are here: https://digitalfinanceanalytics.com/blog/dfa-one-to-one/ … Continue reading "An Astounding Revelation! With Tarric Brooker…"

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan skidded 1%. South Korea’s KOSPI tumbled 1.7% and Taiwanese shares lost 0.7%. Chinese blue chips lost 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slid 0.8%. Again concerns about the exploding costs of AI investment hounded the tech sector. Ahead, are Amazon’s results later in the day, plus … Continue reading "Markets Turn The Uncertainty Dial Up. Again…"

The threat of interest rate hikes could already be impacting the housing market, with fresh figures showing runaway prices are starting to cool. Of course January is historically a slower month for the property market but the RBA’s move yesterday to lift rates will likely cool momentum. That said new figures released by PropTrack shows … Continue reading "Home Prices: Busted???"

This is an edit of a live show I was joined by Head of Investments for Walk The World Funds And Nucleus Wealth, Damian Klassen, as we parsed the recent market movements of precious metals and the latest results season. Does any of this change portfolio management strategies, or should we look through the current … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Investing In A Time Of Gold And Silver Roller-coasters: With Damian Klassen"

In another of our occasional series of discussions with my friend George, we explore the role and source of political and economic power in the world, and ask whether things are changing as many are suggesting. Is the US loosing its grip? Is The US Dollar fading? From food, to arms, and from debt to … Continue reading "Down The Rabbit Hole: Where Does Power Actually Lay?"

Edwin and I discuss the impact of potential rate hikes, which are not certain, but probable. What is clear though, despite the pressure on many households as reported in the MSM over the weekend, is the strong demand for property in some locations. Who might be buying? We also look at the proposals for changes … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

The RBA may well lift interest rates on Tuesday, so we dive into the data to examine what is going wrong, and who is to blame, as calls to the National Debt Helpline rise, tax breaks for property investors rise, and the costs of housing continues to grow. This marks a D-Day for the economy, … Continue reading "Its D-Day For The Australian Economy!"

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. It was another roller-coaster week on the markets, as US equities fell, the dollar rallied, and precious metals slumped in New York. As well as building tensions … Continue reading "Enough Already! Markets See A Years Turmoil In A Month!"

The Australian Police State is being built block by block, and another step is currently in play. In this important show, I am joined by Robert Barwick, National Chairman; National Research Director and 2025 Senate Candidate for Victoria from The Australian Citizens Party who explains what is happening and what we need to do. The … Continue reading "Stop Them Building The Authoritarian Architecture Block By Block: With Robbie Barwick"

My first economic update with Nuggets News for 2026 where we explore the ructions in markets, the new Neo-mercantile philosophies which are being rolled out, the massive rise in some asset prices, and big changes in the USD. We touch on the changing Geo-political climate, and the recent Greenland and Davos episodes. At home, the … Continue reading "This Ain’t Normal! An Economic Update…"

Today we got the latest CPI data from the ABS, and it was a bit of a shocker, as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, up from 3.4 per cent to November. Trimmed mean inflation was 3.3 per cent in the 12 months to December … Continue reading "Rates Will Rise, But Let’s Play Some Numberwang On The CPI Too…"

This is an edit of our latest live show where we went deep into the dynamics of unaffordable housing and what can be done about it. I was joined by Chief Economist and Founder of Macrobusiness Leith van Onselen. Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/ Details of our one to one service … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Who’s Feeding The Housing Monster? With Leith van Onselen"

Edwin, fresh back from his China trip, shares his insights from the visit, as we look at the ramp up in property activity across the country after the summer hiatus. We examine the latest numbers, with listing rising, and auction numbers lifting, though its early days. And we discuss the broader issues which lay below … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"