Economics

Understand market conditions, economic policy and growth trends that influence business performance and strategic decision‑making. You will gain practical knowledge of economics to support better governance, risk oversight and long‑term value creation.

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What is economics?

Directors benefit from economic literacy that sharpens insight into market forces, policy settings and financial conditions influencing organisational performance. This area provides context on macroeconomic trends and their implications for strategic and governance decisions.

Featured resources

Explore curated economic insights to help directors understand macro‑economic trends, global market conditions and policy settings, and apply informed governance and strategic decision‑making in their organisations.

Director Sentiment Index 1H 2026. <p>Directors report a heightened sense of caution with productivity pressures, rising business costs and accelerating technological change.</p>
$160 billion and counting: The cost of Commonwealth regulatory complexity. <p>Australian organisations now spend $160 billion a year to comply with federal regulation, more than double the cost a decade ago.</p>
AICD submission to Treasury 2026-27 Budget process. <p>On 30 January 2026 the AICD made a submission to the Treasury consultation process for the 2026-27 Budget. </p>

Overview

Helping directors understand forces shaping business conditions and global markets. Led by AICD Chief Economist Mark Thirlwell GAICD, members access a deep dive into economic news.

The AICD’s economics focus examines how macro‑economic trends, policy settings and global developments may affect organisational strategy, risk and long‑term performance, including the Australian economic outlook, productivity and fiscal sustainability, and structural challenges such as skills shortages and demographic change.

By embedding economic insight into strategy, risk oversight and governance discussions, directors can better anticipate uncertainty, respond to external shocks and identify long‑term opportunities.

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asx market

Chief Economist updates

With over 30 years’ experience, Mark’s webinars, opinion pieces, weekly podcast and email newsletter keep members up to date on the key economic issues and forces shaping the environment in which directors operate.

AICD members can subscribe to Mark’s Economic Weekly email by updating your communication preferences in your AICD Member Portal.

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Explore the latest Director Sentiment Index

The latest AICD Director Sentiment Index highlights growing concern among company directors and reinforces calls for urgent regulatory reform to address Australia’s declining productivity and support long‑term economic growth.

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Legal and compliance. <p>Find information on directors’ legal duties, regulatory obligations and compliance requirements.</p>
Risk management. <p>Access tools, guidance and frameworks to help boards identify, assess and mitigate organisational risks.</p>
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Innovation and technology. <p>Discover governance considerations, tools and insights to oversee innovation and technology.</p>
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