Infometrics Chief Executive and Principal Economist Brad Olsen and Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan look at the year ahead and discuss key issues for the economy in 2025, including expectations for consumer confidence and spending trends, as interest rates fall and household finances improve. But labour market concerns are likely to persist for the early part of 2025, with higher unemployment and limited job opportunities as businesses remain reluctant to hire. Government finances are constrained, with continued deficits looming and effective zero-budgets likely for most parts of the public sector. Global trends will be a key aspect of 2025, with uncertainty around the geopolitical situation and trade prospects heightened with the return of Donald Trump as US President, conflict still swirling across the world, and weaker Chinese economic growth showing no signs of turning around yet. All in all, 2025 looks better than 2024, but it will still be a tough ride for many.