Australia: Consumer sentiment increases in September
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index rose to 106.2 in September from 104.1 in August. Therefore, sentiment moved further above the 100-mark, indicating that there were more optimists than pessimists among Australian consumers.
September’s rise came on the back of stronger expectations of family finances in the next 12 months and assessments of family finances compared to one year ago as well as more optimistic expectations over the economy in the next 12 months and five years. On the flipside, consumers’ willingness to buy major household items weakened.
FocusEconomics panelists are still assessing the latest developments.