Three Economic Lessons From Abroad #185

Fresh from her travels through the Middle East and Central Asia, Diana Mousina joins My Bui to unpack three big economic themes: how Middle East tensions are affecting oil flows, inflation and consumers; what Australia could learn from overseas approaches to construction and housing; and how cities and communities can better accommodate families and children. They also explore US mortgage rates and markets, Australia’s housing challenges, regulation, wages and the productivity puzzle. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 15 October 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group 00:00 Diana’s travels and lessons from abroad 01:16 Middle East oil flows recover 02:00 How ship-to-ship oil transfers work 03:14 Why oil prices remain above $1000 4:13 Energy costs, inflation and consumers 05:18 US politics, energy prices and markets 06:01 US mortgages, housing and the AI boom 07:01 What overseas construction can teach Australia 08:22 Regulation and Australia’s housing challenge 09:34 Why Australian apartments take longer to build 10:11 Cities, children and “third spaces” 12:47 Does regulation make simple projects harder? 13:29 Wages, labour costs and Australia’s productivity puzzle 14:36 Wrap-up