Some facts about Australia's economy seem hard to believe, but they're true. Up until the global financial crisis in 2008, Australia hadn't had a recession in 17 years, and since its growth barely turned negative for a quarter, you could argue it still hasn't had one.
China's rapid growth over the past two decades, its growing need for industrial metals and commodities, and Australia's close proximity have certainly helped to fuel this boom. The same growth spurt has helped transform BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto into the megacap giants they are today and compelled Royal Dutch Shell and other energy companies to make significant investments to develop coal seam gas properties.
Next week, our Global Gains research team is making the 20-hour-plus flight to the Lucky Country to make our own assessment of the Australian economy, meet with company management teams, and assess potential investment opportunities. While we're there, we also plan to meet with a few economists to get a better handle on Australia's housing market and if there's a growing housing bubble.
We want to hear from you
We have a full itinerary, but we also plan to have some fun. While we're there, we should have one or two days to relax and take in the country. We've done some asking around and searching on our own, but we want to hear from you, too.
If you've been to Australia or know someone who has, tell us what we should do or what we absolutely shouldn't miss while we're there. Sights, sounds, activities, food and drink, and interesting quirks of the Australian economy are all on the table. If there's something you think we absolutely must experience while we're Down Under, let us know in the comments below. We look forward to reading your suggestions!
As always, we'll be releasing a special report with our top picks from the trip upon our return home. But if you'd like to follow along with us in real-time, simply enter your email in the box below. That way, we'll be sure to send you all of our notes from the field as we take them.
