Craig James (born 2 March 1962) is an

economist An economist is a professional and practitioner in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy. Within this field there are ...

currently working as chief economist for CommSec. , according to ''

The Australian ''The Australian'', with its Saturday edition, ''The Weekend Australian'', is a broadsheet newspaper published by News Corp Australia since 14 July 1964.Bruns, Axel. "3.1. The active audience: Transforming journalism from gatekeeping to gatew ...

'', James was the third most quoted man in Australian media. Completing regular media appearances in Australia and internationally, his reports such as the iPod index and State of the States are often reported upon and often called a "user-friendly" economic outlook for average individuals.

Career

After leaving Narwee Boys' High School in 1979, James joined the Rural bank, while undertaking his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at the

University of New South Wales The University of New South Wales (UNSW), also known as UNSW Sydney, is a public research university based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the founding members of Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research-intensiv ...

in 1984. He completed a Master of Commerce (Economics) in 1988. James worked in branches, continuing on to Corporate, Planning and Economic Research, while the Rural Bank changed into the State Bank of New South Wales, followed by Colonial Group. He became chief economist of Colonial Group in September 1997, later becoming chief economist at CommSec in August 2000 with the Commonwealth takeover of Colonial. In 2002, James joined ''

The Australian Financial Review ''The Australian Financial Review'' (abbreviated to the ''AFR'') is an Australian business-focused, compact daily newspaper covering the current business and economic affairs of Australia and the world. The newspaper is based in Sydney, New Sou ...

'' to pursue his interest in journalism – although re-joined Commsec in 2003 – combining his interests in journalism and electronic media. At the start of 2012, James was appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Curtin Business School. In combination with James' regular TV, radio and print appearances, he completes a number of unique reports such as the State of the States and the iPod index. Published quarterly, State of the States offer economic feedback on Australian States' performance. Rankings and indicators designed by James are often covered by general media such as '' The Mercury'', the

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

and the '' Sydney Morning Herald''.

Personal life

James has a personal interest in

athletics Athletics may refer to: Sports * Sport of athletics, a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking ** Track and field, a sub-category of the above sport * Athletics (physical culture), competi ...

and

weight training Weight training is a common type of strength training for developing the strength, size of skeletal muscles and maintenance of strength.Keogh, Justin W, and Paul W Winwood. “Report for: The Epidemiology of Injuries Across the Weight-Trai ...

. He finished in the top six for the ''

Men's Health ''Men's Health'' (''MH''), published by Hearst, is the world's largest men's magazine brand, with 35 editions in 59 countries. It is also the best-selling men's magazine on U.S. newsstands. Started as a men's health magazine by Rodale, Inc. ...

'' Man of the Year 2011 competition.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:James, Craig Australian economists Living people 1962 births People from Sydney University of New South Wales alumni Academic staff of Curtin University Commonwealth Bank people