Craig James, CommSec TV star and economist, announces shattering health blow – as he’s praised for his guts and openness

EXCLUSIVE

One of Australia’s leading TV finance gurus has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease.

Craig James, Chief Economist at CommSec, has appeared on financial updates for 20 years, from morning TV shows to the evening news, making him one of the most quoted experts in the Australian media.

But the respected 62-year-old commentator now faces his biggest challenge as he grapples with the brutal uncertainty brought on by Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that horribly robs a person of his or her bodily functions. The disease is known for shaking, stiffness and balance problems.

The married father of three told friends and colleagues about his diagnosis about a month ago, when he took medical leave from CommSec and disappeared from his regular television appearances.

“I felt this was the right time to share this (news) more broadly,” he wrote on LinkedIn.

“I have wonderful doctors, the love and support of my family – especially my rock, my wife Karen – my unwavering faith in God, and the full support of my CommSec family.”

Mr James, who is so passionate about physical fitness that he was once named one of the top six ‘regular men’ in Men’s Health magazine, has now turned to powerlifting as part of his treatment.

Mr James said he is tackling the disease vigorously, focusing on his exercise, diet, sleep and treatment.

“It’s hard to stay ahead of something that is so unpredictable in its development,” he said.

“As far as exercises, I’ve embraced powerlifting. The idea is that stronger muscles help with mobility.”

Mr James also revealed that despite his struggles, he recently won the Australian Championships in his age group weight class.

The Sydney economist, who is now on sick leave, has also revealed that he will require speech therapy.

“In terms of medication and treatment, my healthcare providers have given me much-appreciated guidance,” he said.

‘Medicines are still being adjusted.

“I started speech therapy and also started programs that focused on mental health.”

People with Parkinson’s disease often feel sick every day.

“All progress, however pleasant, is slow. Yet I must be encouraged by my efforts. The journey is on,” he said.

Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the disease in 1991 at age 29 and still suffers from it today.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali fought it for three decades before dying of septic shock in 2016 at the age of 74, while Liz Jackson, former presenter of ABC Four Corners and Media Watch, died in 2018 at the age of 67, just two years after going public with her program.

Mr James’ LinkedIn post prompted an outpouring of sympathy, with the economist thanking those who had been well-wishers.

“The response and the support has really humbled me,” he said.

One man said he had helped others by making his actions public.

“Craig, there are so many people who appreciate the courage to tell your story, especially those who are struggling with their own issues. They will find great comfort in your message,” he said.

Another follower on LinkedIn praised him for opening up about his personal health issues.

“I admire the vulnerability with which you share your story and the enthusiasm with which you do everything you can to slow the progression,” the woman said.

Another described him as a “truly wonderful person.”

“I’m sorry you’re going through this. I can only imagine how mentally taxing this must be,” he said.

Mr James obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in economics from the University of New South Wales in 1984, following which he obtained a Masters degree in 1988.

In the 1980s and 1990s he was an economist at the former State Bank of NSW, before becoming chief economist at Commonwealth Securities of CommSec, the equities trading arm of the Commonwealth Bank, in August 2000.

When the pandemic began in 2020, he correctly predicted that the stock market would recover quickly. He said the decline was due to lockdowns, not a credit crunch.