The Bellwether Series: Australia 2011

Registration and refreshments 

Welcome remarks  

A senior government official will provide an update on developments in Australia's financial sector and key policies for the year ahead.  

2010 marked a year of broad recovery from the financial crisis. Whilst fears of a double-dip recession have receded, risks undoubtedly remain: ongoing turbulence in sovereign debt markets, commodity and asset market bubbles, and trade and currency tensions to name a few. How will growth and recovery play out in the year ahead? The Economist Intelligence Unit presents its forecast.

• What will be the key drivers of global economic growth in the year ahead?
• Is Asia on the right track towards more balanced and sustainable growth?
• What major risks loom on the horizon?
• What inflation trends can we expect?  

Networking break  

The global crisis has forced Asian countries to re-assess their export growth models and make structural changes to boost domestic demand. They are no longer just catching up; they are driving changes in the rest of the world. Have we reached a new chapter in the development of the global economy?

• In the year ahead, how will Asia's participation in the global economic and financial systemevolve?
• Will Australia's economy continue to benefit from the rebalancing of the global economytowards Asia's emerging markets?
• What happens if China's growth slows?
• What effect will the Australia/Singapore Exchange merger have on global trading?  

Financial innovation: the good, the bad—and the future?

The global debate on the value and costs of financial innovation continues. The case against evolves around the role financial instruments played in the global financial crisis. The case for argues that innovation is essential for survival and growth; indeed there are claims that new waves of innovation - asset grouping, cloud computing, and mobile technology - are already changing the game.

• Financial innovation in Australia: what are the key developments and trends?
• Are the country's regulators doing enough and enough of the right things?
• Is Australia's housing market overvalued? What are the implications?
• The next wave of financial innovation: what can we expect?
• As many developed countries in the West move to tighten regulation, will we see financialservices innovation move to emerging markets?  

Luncheon  

As increased inflows and currency appreciation persist, countries are turning to unorthodox measures to prevent their currencies from appreciating. Will beggar-thy-neighbour policies and "currency wars" be the defining trends of 2011 or can a new era of global consensus still emerge?

• Is the rhetoric more out of hand than the reality?
• Capital controls: worrying trend or necessary evil?
• Will we see increasing intervention in a wider range of markets?
• What should we expect from Asian currencies?  

Feeding the dragon requires natural resources, which China lacks. Step up Australia. The world's largest exporter of commodities has been well placed to take advantage of Chinese demand for coal, iron and other vital commodities. Indeed, many observers regard Australia's continued growth during the global financial crisis is owed to resource and energy exports to the mainland. Would a slowdown in China change things dramatically?

• How has Australia's commodity market evolved over the past 12 months?
• If China's demand weakens, what are the implications for Australia?
• What role do Asia's other emerging markets play in driving the Australian resources sector?
• In the year ahead, what will be the key opportunities and challenges for investors?  

Networking break  

The debate is no longer if our climate is changing but how quickly. In the Asia-Pacific region, with its high concentration of economic activities in coastal areas, and heavy reliance on agriculture and natural resources, the economic repercussions will be far reaching for governments, companies and investors. How are the financial markets evolving to meet the risks - and capitalise on the opportunities - posed by climate change?

• How can financial markets help to meet the economic challenges of climate change?
• What new business opportunities are being created?
• What can we expect from policy-makers in the year ahead?
• How are the carbon markets likely to evolve in Australia?  

The shift away from export driven growth in Asian economies is opening up new opportunities for investors. So too are changing consumption patterns and rapid urbanisation. This panel will examine Asia's changing investment landscape and debate the best opportunities for investors in the year ahead.

• Which countries and industries will offer the most exciting opportunities in the next 12months?
• Are China and India still the star draws for investors' regional allocations?
• What will be the biggest risks for investors in 2011?
• Will Asia's appetite for Australian investment continue to grow?  

Concluding remarks