Trade surplus down to $7.3b caps week's economic data deluge

Australia's trade surplus dips to $7.29 billion in July, falling back from a revised $7.98 billion record high in June. 

The softer than expected result adds to evidence that exports are propping up Australia's economic growth. 

Read the ABS statistics 

Myer chief executive John King says he doesn't see a recession on the horizon after concerns that the cautious consumer cut a slice from June quarter GDP.

Australia's recession-free record in tact but growth at decade low

Australia's economy has slowed to its most sluggish pace since 2009, when the GFC slammed the brakes on GDP growth. In seasonally adjusted terms, 

GDP expanded by 0.5 per cent over the June quarter, or 1.4 per cent for the year — equal to the worst annual growth recorded in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in the September quarter of 2009. 

ABC's Peter Ryan goes through the numbers.

Soft GDP result tipped but 28 year recession record safe for now

The latest economic growth figures out today are likely to put pressure on Australia's ability to maintain its 28 year year recession-free record. 

Economists are tipping GDP growth of 0.5 percent in the June quarter and 1.4 percent over the year. 

However, while exports continue to prop up the economy, there are worrying signs that the consumer is becoming more cautious. 

EY chief economist Jo Masters speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.

"Strike to save the planet" - Atlassian co-chief executive Mike Cannon-Brookes urges staff to be activists in climate crisis fight

Global tech company Atlassian will support its staff with special paid leave to participate in the so-called "climate strike" later this month. 

Atlassian's outspoken co-chief executive Mike Cannon-Brookes says climate change is now an "existential threat", backing climate activism as the new corporate social responsibility and critical to the survival of capitalism. 

While joining the strike is voluntary, Atlassian staff will be able to use all or part of a week's special volunteering leave to protest the lack of action by world leaders.

Mike Cannon-Brookes singled out Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison when he spoke in Sydney with ABC's Peter Ryan.

Atlassian co-chief executive, Mike Cannon-Brookes (supplied)

Economy softening though 28 recession-free run not over yet. Dr Timo Henckel of ANU is softening up students who've never known a recession

Official economic growth figures scheduled for Wednesday are tipped to show the slowest pace of expansion since the depths of the global financial crisis a decade ago. 

Given Australia's 28 years of world-beating record of growth, economists are starting to warn that an official recession is starting to look more likely in the year ahead. 

Dr Timo Henckel, chairman of the RBA shadow board at Australian National University, speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.