Treasurer pledges big spending budget and lower jobless rate; Joseph Longo appointed new ASIC chair as James Shipton retires hurt

Josh Frydenberg has given a commitment that the federal government won't be resorting to austerity to pay for its  massive emergency response during the pandemic induced economic crisis. 

Instead the Treasurer has flagged a big spending budget in a fortnight's time setting itself the target of getting unemployment well below five percent in a bid to lift stagnant wages. 

Also, lawyer Joseph Longo has been appointed as new chair of the corporate regulator ASIC as current chair James Shipton retires hurt despite being cleared over a tax expenses scandal.

Here's my analysis from The World Today

Soft inflation confirms slow recovery, endorses RBA's low rate commitment. But for how long?

The official measure of consumer prices has risen by less than expected, with inflation of 0.6 per cent over the three months to March. 

The ABS data show prices rose an average of just 1.1 per cent over the past year. 

ABC's Peter Ryan says the outlook for soft inflation confirms the Reserve Bank's commitment to key the cash rate at 0.1 percent until 2024. 

Entire Australia Post board to face senate grilling over ousting of CEO Christine Holgate

The senate inquiry into the controversial ousting of Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate resumes this morning with the entire Australia Post board called to give evidence.

Board members will be under pressure to justify Ms Holgate's treatment after her decision to buy Cartier watches to reward top executives sparked an angry outburst from the Prime Minister.

But was Ms Holgate's ousting solely due to the Cartier watches "scandal" or her opposition to a Boston Consulting Group report recommending deep cuts and a path to privatisation?

Here's my analysis when I spoke with Thomas Oriti on ABC NewsRadio.

Budget back in post-pandemic balance? UBS bets on possible surplus in 2025.

With the federal budget just a fortnight away, optimism is growing that Australia's exit from the pandemic-induced economic crisis could be sooner rather than later. 

Investment bank UBS predicts the budget deficit could be $35 billion smaller than flagged in the midyear economic update. 

Chief economist George Tharenou thinks it's "plausible" that the budget could be back in balance by 2024/25 with a $200 billion improvement.

Here's my analysis from The World Today

AMP to face investor revolt over reported $50 million payout to exiting executive Boe Pahari

Embattled wealth manager AMP looks set to face another shareholder backlash after revelations that controversial executive Boe Pahari could pocket at least $50 million dollars when he exits the company. 

While Mr Pahari was a financial rainmaker for AMP, he was at the centre of sexual harrassments allegations brought by a female subordinate that damaged the company's reputation. 

ABC's Peter Ryan speaks with shareholder activist Stephen Maybe who says investors are expected to protest at Friday's annual general meeting.

Global pandemic debt bill hits US$81 trillion and more to come: Monday Finance with Peter Ryan

The global debt bill from the COVID19 pandemic hit an eyewatering US$81 trillion at the end of 2020 as governments spent massive amounts on emergency stimulus fearing a repeat of the Great Depression. 

Janus Henderson head of Australian fixed interest Jay Sivapalan says governments are set to rack up more debt to underwrite financial stability as economies slowly normalise. 

Also, the entire Australia Post board will face a senate inquiry tomorrow as the probe into Christine Holgate's outsting as chief executive intensifies.

Here's my analysis from this morning's edition of RN Breakfast