Key economic markers since PM Rudd

THE ECONOMY - HOW IT'S CHANGED SINCE KEVIN `07

Here's snapshot of key economic markers since Kevin Rudd became Labor prime minister - for the first time - in 2007.

S&P/ASX200 INDEX:

* When Rudd first became prime minister in December 2007 this key stock market indicator was riding at 6533.1 points.

* It's since gone backwards mostly due to the 2008-2009 global financial crisis.

* Almost a decade on from the GFC the market is still to fully recover.

* When Tony Abbott became PM in September 2013 the index was around 5135 points.

* The index today sits at 5200 points and whether Malcolm Turnbull's leadership can lift confidence and market fortunes remains to be seen.

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR:

* When Rudd won office in 2007 the local dollar was riding high at almost 89 US cents.

* That rise continued as the GFC knocked the stuffing out of the US dollar, as many investors sought refuge with the Australian dollar.

* When Abbott was elected the Aussie soared to 93.55 US cents.

* The currency today sits at 71.30 US cents, after surging a full US cent to 71.66 US cents on Tuesday morning in the hours after Turnbull's rise.

INFLATION:

* Turnbull takes over as PM in a new phase of low, very subdued price inflation of around 1.5 per cent per annum.

* This is a factor of low wages growth, falling commodity prices and slow economic growth. The Reserve Bank has cut the cash rate to a record low in an attempt lift economic activity.

* Under Rudd's initial leadership, inflation was higher at 2.9 per cent per annum.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

* Turnbull also begins his tenure with a relatively high jobless rate of 6.2 per cent, compared to 5.7 per cent went Abbott took office.

* During the Rudd-Gillard years unemployment rates were similar or much lower again.

* When Rudd won office, unemployment was a very low 4.2 per cent, reflecting the strong economic momentum driven by the Howard government.

CASH RATE:

* Interest rates have been on a downward trajectory since the GFC, mostly recent due to sluggish growth.

* Turnbull starts his leadership with an historically low cash interest rate of 2 per cent.

* Rudd began his leadership on 6.75 per cent and Julia Gillard on 4.5 per cent.

PRIME MINISTERSHIPS:

Malcolm Turnbull, from 15/9/15

Tony Abbott, from 18/9/13

Kevin Rudd, second time, from 27/6/13

Julia Gillard, from 24/6/10

Kevin Rudd, first time, from 2/12/07.

(Data source: Data from Finder.com.au, text by AAP)