Australian Economy 2026: What's Really Happening and What It Means for Your Business | with Daniel Gradwell

A year is a long time in economics. A lot has changed — and some things, frustratingly, haven't. In this episode of In The Trenches, Hanif Ibrahim welcomes back Daniel Gradwell — ANZ Economist and Associate Director of Property — for a return visit nearly 12 months after his debut on Episode 1. The timing is deliberate: a check-in, a recalibration, and a fresh read on where the Australian economy actually stands heading into 2026. Daniel doesn't deal in speculation or political spin. He deals in data, patterns, and the kind of grounded economic analysis that actually helps business owners make better decisions. What this episode covers: - What's changed in the Australian economy since their last conversation — and what hasn't - Interest rate movements: what actually happened vs. what was expected - Shifting market sentiment and what it means for business confidence - The property market update — are the predictions from 12 months ago holding? - Consumer spending behaviour and what it signals for business owners - The economic outlook for 2026 — where the real risks and opportunities sit - How business owners should be positioning themselves right now If you want clarity on what's real in the Australian economy, Daniel is one of the best people to hear it from. Powered by The Finance Agency — salary-paid finance brokers helping business owners navigate financial decisions with less noise and more expertise. financeagency.com.au #AustralianEconomy #EconomicOutlook2026 #InterestRates #BusinessFinance #BusinessPodcast #InTheTrenches #ANZ #PropertyMarket #Entrepreneurship

What is In The Trenches?

Running a business isn't easy. The late nights, tough decisions, and constant pressure to grow, adapt, and succeed — it's all part of the journey. In the Trenches is a business podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and operators who know what it's like to be in the thick of it.

Each episode dives into real stories from business owners, industry leaders, and experts who have faced challenges head-on, found opportunities in unexpected places, and made the decisions that shaped their success. We're not here for vague theories or feel-good advice. We focus on tangible insights — practical strategies, financial realities, and the lessons that actually make a difference in running a business.

Brought to you by The Finance Agency, In the Trenches is about more than just storytelling. It's about equipping business owners with the knowledge, inspiration, and commercial insights they need to navigate their own path. Whether you're scaling up, managing cash flow, or tackling industry shifts, we bring you the voices and experiences that matter — helping you make smarter decisions and move forward with confidence.

If you're building something great, if you're making tough calls every day, if you're in the trenches — this is the podcast for you.