As part of CommBank’s Australian Economics team, senior economist Trent Saunders interprets the trends shaping the nation’s financial landscape. With a background spanning some of Australia’s most respected institutions, Trent brings both expertise and a genuine passion for understanding the forces influencing households, businesses and the broader community.
We caught up with him to learn what inspires his work, the big issues he’s watching, and what he loves to do when he’s away from the office.
From classroom to career: Where Trent’s interest in economics began
Trent traces his interest in economics back to high school. “I actually had a really great economics teacher, Mr Chadwick,” he says.
“He taught us that economics wasn’t just about the maths and the numbers, it was about understanding how and why people make the decisions that they do.”
That early lesson shaped the way Trent sees the world. “Economics helps you make sense of the choices people and businesses make every day. It’s a powerful way to understand what’s really going on in the economy.”
A career built on understanding Australia’s economic story
Trent has held roles across leading economic institutions.
“I started my career at the RBA, then moved to the Queensland Treasury Corporation, and now I’m part of CBA’s Australian Economics team,” he says.
Across these roles, his work has centred on identifying the trends that matter.
“My day is spent poring over Australian economic data to understand what issues will be important for our clients and the broader community.”
He also has a morning ritual that a lot of Australians can relate to.
“I grab a coffee, like most people and read the news to see what happened overnight and how it might shape the day.”
What excites him about the work ahead
For Trent, the most rewarding part of his job is the people around him.
“It’s a great team,” he said. “There’s a diverse range of talent, and it’s a privilege to work with passionate people on issues that really matter.”
He’s also focused on the big structural shifts facing Australia.
“It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day movements, but the bigger issues - housing, the energy transition, and slower productivity growth are what will shape where Australia is ten years from now.”
Caffeine helps too, “usually I have one coffee a day… but if it’s a CPI day, it could be three, maybe even four,” he laughs.
Life beyond the economic data
Outside of work, Trent’s time is wholeheartedly devoted to family.
“I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful children,” he says.
“My nine-year-old daughter does percussion and drama and keeps things lively, and my five-year-old son is at that age where he wants to learn about everything. They definitely keep me busy.”
Despite the full schedule, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The most rewarding part of my job and my life is getting to work on important issues with people who care, and then coming home to a family who keeps me grounded.”
