Australia's leading applied economic and social research institute
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has worked for over 60 years to advance opportunity, equity, and prosperity in Australia and our region. Our world-class economists conduct rigorous, independent research and analysis, providing an evidence base for effective policy reform. We are a trusted partner for governments, industry, and communities, working to solve the complex challenges of our time.
News
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Persistent underlying inflation strengthens the case for a September interest rate hike
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research expects the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Monetary Policy Board to increase the policy interest rate to 4.6% on Tuesday, 29 September.
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Consumer inflation expectations remain elevated in November
The expected inflation rate (30-per-cent trimmed mean measure) remained elevated in November, at 5.3 per cent for a second month running.
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Income and multidimensional poverty: why both measures matter
Dr Melek Cigdem-Bayram, Ronald Henderson Senior Research Fellow (jointly appointed by Melbourne Institute and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence), spoke at a recent event hosted by the Economic Society of Australia – Victorian Branch on the distinguishing factors of both monetary and multidimensional poverty in Australia.
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Higher interest rates increasingly likely on Melbourne Cup Day
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to increase the cash rate to 4.85 per cent on Melbourne Cup Day (3 November), marking the fifth increase for 2026.
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Monthly inflation rose in September
The Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge increased for a fourth consecutive month in October, after falling in May and June.
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Children who grow up in poverty are 5 times more likely to be poor young adults: new study
Our research, recently published in The Economic Record, suggests childhood poverty casts a long shadow, affecting young Australians well into their 20s and 30s.
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The 2026 Melbourne Macro Policy Meeting
The 2026 Melbourne Macro Policy Meeting was successfully held on October 26 and 27, co-hosted by the Department of Economics and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research.
