Charlie Nelson in the media

This is a partial listing of media articles contributed to by Charlie.

Article title Publication Brief description of content Comments
No let up New Scientist (Letters) 22 June 2013, page 30-31. New Scientist magazine had an article (25 May 2013, page 8) which discussed the slowing rate of global warming and how we had a second chance to save the climate.  Charlie's letter pointed out two risks - that politicians will use this information to justify continued procrastination in reducing carbon emissions and the likelihood that a cyclical natural factor is a contributor to the recent lack of warming.  The danger is that a reversal of the natural factor in 20 to 30 years combined with continued procrastination could lead to very rapid, and possibly irreversible, warming. More information on this issue.
The slow death of the housing dream Australian Financial Review, April 5-9 2012, pages 25 & 26. Is there a slow slide in housing or just another cycle.  Charlie's analysis concludes that recovery is imminent. More information in the Boomerang Offspring report at www.foreseechange.com.au.
The great Australian dream is back on track for the young generation Daily Telegraph, 20 February 2012, page 7. People aged 18 to 29 have substantially lifted their marginal propensity to save since mid-2010. This has hurt retailers in the short term but is likely to boost demand for housing finance and then household furnishings and appliances in the medium term.
Let's lift target inflation to 4pc Australian Financial Review, 30 May 2011, page 51 (Letters). Temporarily raising the upper limit of the Reserve Bank of Australia's target inflation band from 3% to 4% would reduce the need to raise interest rates to deal with inflation resulting from the once-off mining investment boom.  This would limit the damage caused to industries such as retail, housing, manufacturing, and tourism. More information
The frugal consumer is here to stay AdNews, 22 April 2011, pages 8 & 9. Charlie is one of three market analysts discussing the slowdown in consumer spending in late 2010 and early 2011. Charlie's detailed report "What ails retail?" is available at www.foreseechange.com.au.
Slashing ad spending a mistake, says forecaster The Age, October 8 2010, Business Day pages 6 & 7.  Also in the Sydney Morning Herald. The Australian ad spending recession in 2008/09 was a knee jerk reaction to the global financial crisis and at odds with reasonable consumer spending and economic growth. Pessimistic advertisers may achieve a self-fulfilling prophecy while more confident advertisers could gain market share.
Australia's future population: can we forecast and how should we plan? Issues magazine, June 2010, pages 29 to 33. Special edition on population. Charlie's analysis shows that most people don't want a much larger population; that there is no evidence that a larger population will make us richer per capita, healthier, or happier; and that there is no track record of adequate infrastructure provision in time for a larger population.
It's not over, but the worst is behind us - just ask my mate Charlie The Age, 30 April 2009, Business Day page 2.  Also in the Sydney Morning Herald. Harold Mitchell, Executive Chairman of Mitchell Communications Group told how Charlie had said that the worst was over for the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on Australia's economy and that in 2007, Charlie had predicted that there could be a GFC in late 2008. Shortly after this article was published, the federal government budget predicted that the economy would contract slightly in 2009/10 and that unemployment would peak at 8.5%.  They were far too pessimistic.  Charlie wrote to the Treasury department head and the Governor of the Reserve Bank in late April with his positive message.  There was no reply.
How marketing gurus see our future Australian Financial Review, November 15-16 2008, pages 30-31. Consumer trends. The booming 45+ population is the most reliable trend.
Global mayhem takes a bite out of future Australian Financial Review, 29 September 2008. Ad spending predicted to be soft in 2009. Most other commentators expected growth but the market declined significantly.
Business: be wary but not too nervous Australian Financial Review, 19 June 2008, page 66. The Index of Consumer Sentiment is not a good guide to consumer spending growth. Consumer spending continued to be reasonably strong despite the slump in ICS.
Boomers the neglected goldmine The Australian, May 22 2008, page 31. The spending power of the baby boomer generation contrasted with the indifference of advertisers towards this economic power.  
Nelson predicts big spending Ad News, 4 April 2008, page 5. Charlie Nelson expresses doubt that the economy is spiraling out of control and consumer spending will be strong enough to prevent a slowdown turning into recession. Australia did not experience a recession and consumer spending continued to grow despite a slowdown in the rate of growth.
Think responsibly Marketing, February 2008, page 50. Corporate social responsibility.  Consumer opinions and their implications.  
Empty nesters a blind spot for business Australian Financial Review, 17 September 2007, pages 1 and 55. Marketers who are complacent about the over-55's risk missing out on the only significant growth market.  
Why the market has missed the golden oldies Australian Financial Review, April 21-22, 2007, page 26. Just why has marketing continued to ignore the biggest spending age group - people aged 55 to 64.  Charlie and others put forward some reasons.  
The Water Boy / Running on Empty The Bulletin, December 5 2006, page 20. Water supply is the single biggest issue Australians believe will concern them in the future.  
Marketers forget that over-50's rock and roll Australian Financial Review, 27 March 2006, page 52. The spending power of the baby boomer generation contrasted with the indifference of advertisers towards this economic power.  
Football, meat pies, kangaroos - and four cylinder cars? The Age, October 7 2005, page 3. Charlie points to a weaker future for the manufacturers of large cars - higher petrol prices and demographics had turned against Australian manufacturers. At great expense, four Australian manufacturers introduced new large cars.  Annual sales dropped from 195,000 in 2004 to 78,000 in 2011.
Optimal theory and the art of asset allocation Australian Financial Review, 9-10 October 2004, page 49. Asset mix options to balance risk and return.  
A testing year ahead for new-car sales Business Review Weekly, 26 January 1998, page 27. Motor industry executives surprised by Charlie's forecast that new vehicle sales could reach 820,000 in 1998. The industry expected a consolidation at around 700,000 to 720,000 after a record 1997 of just over 722,000.  Charlie predicted a range of 770,000 to 820,000, depending on a range of factors.

The outcome was over 808,000.
Over 50's to take over as big spenders B&T, 21 February 1997, pages 25 & 28. The 50 to 54 age group on the verge of spending more than people in their early 20's.