Stay up to date with the latest economic market trends with RSM Australia Economist Devika Shivadekar.

On this page, you will find a collection of our latest articles developed to provide timely economic insights about the economy.  

From market analyses to macroeconomic trends, our articles are designed to keep you well-informed and ahead of the curve.

Explore the latest updates from our Economist

RBA Hikes Rates: That was a close call
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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RBA Hikes Rates: That was a close call
RBA lifts cash rate 25bps to 4.10% as inflation risks rise, fuel prices jump and expectations lift, signalling data-led policy and higher-for-longer rates.
Jan'26 CPI: Headline Stable as Underlying Creeps Higher
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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Jan'26 CPI: Headline Stable as Underlying Creeps Higher
Headline inflation held at 3.8% in January 2026 as housing and electricity costs kept pressures elevated. Underlying inflation edged higher, reinforcing the RBA’s cautious policy stance and limiting near-term rate cut expectations.
Wages Hold While Jobs Evolve
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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Wages Hold While Jobs Evolve
Wages growth remains steady and unemployment low, but labour market momentum is easing. What this means for households, businesses, and interest rates.
Business Victoria: 2026 Outlook: the year ahead for small businesses
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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Business Victoria: 2026 Outlook: the year ahead for small businesses
In 2026, economic growth is expected to strengthen gradually, supported by population growth and easing inflation, with some economic headwinds remaining.
RBA: Rates Lifted, Pressures Persist
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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RBA: Rates Lifted, Pressures Persist
Australia’s economy is running hotter than expected, with inflation proving persistent and prompting the RBA to lift the cash rate to 3.85%.
4Q25 CPI: Why February RBA Call Is Still a Line Ball
The Real EconomyEconomic and Budget news
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4Q25 CPI: Why February RBA Call Is Still a Line Ball
December CPI shows sticky but moderating inflation, with housing and services driving pressures as the RBA faces a finely balanced February rate decision.

In the media

SBS News: Inflation eats into wages as cost of living worsens
Devika - In the media
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SBS News: Inflation eats into wages as cost of living worsens
SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Devika Shivadekar from RSM Australia about the latest Wage Price Index which shows real wages has gone backwards
SkyNews.com.au - Australia 'unable to survive' another rate hike as economists weigh in on slowing growth, 'unwelcome' inflationary pressure [5.06.24]
Devika - In the media
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SkyNews.com.au - Australia 'unable to survive' another rate hike as economists weigh in on slowing growth, 'unwelcome' inflationary pressure [5.06.24]
Mr Taylor was echoed by RSM Australia economist Devika Shivadekar, who highlighted the figures showed Australian households were once again seeing a decline in savings due to cost of living pressures. "We remain in a GDP per-capita recession with the March quarter 2024 making it a fifth consecutive decline," she said. "The household savings ratio has fallen again after a recovery in the December quarter 2023, mainly dragged by much more modest compensation of employees and investment income received in th
SkyNews.com.au - Shock as unemployment rate jumps higher than expected, hitting 4.1 per cent in April despite solid jobs growth [16.05.24]
Devika - In the media
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SkyNews.com.au - Shock as unemployment rate jumps higher than expected, hitting 4.1 per cent in April despite solid jobs growth [16.05.24]
RSM Australia economist Devika Shivadekar suggested the RBA needed to remain "cautious" following the release of the ABS figures, arguing underlying tightness in the labour market may still take time to disapate. "Conversations with our clients have highlighted that skill mismatch remains the biggest issue for businesses when it comes to hiring, likely contributing to the underlying tightness," she said. "This suggests that while finding employees for specialized roles still remains challenging, the gig e
Economist

Devika Shivadekar

CONTACT DEVIKA

"I enjoy simplifying economic information to help my clients understand and use data to suit their needs. RSM extends me the opportunity to deep-dive into the real economy as well as some key sectors to help our middle market clients make informed business decisions."

What's next for Australia and the world in 2026?

In the lead-up to 2026, the economic landscape is a quicksand minefield. In this exclusive webinar, we brought together two leading economists, from RSM US and RSM Australia, to unpack the forces shaping the year ahead. 

  • RBA cash rate decisions: How rising unemployment and “sticky” inflation are complicating policy decisions.
  • Australia’s economic pressure points: The sectors feeling the strain and where resilience may emerge.
  • Global headwinds: The impact of US–China tensions, the global oil glut and energy prices, and the ongoing US government shutdown.
  • Productivity puzzle: Why key Australian sectors continue to underperform and what must change.
  • The 2026 outlook: Growth, inflation, employment and what the data tells us about the next 12 months.