Australia: Consumer sentiment rises in July
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index rose to 81.3 in July from 79.2 in June. Consequently, sentiment remained entrenched below the 100-mark, indicating that there were more pessimists than optimists among Australian consumers.
July’s reading saw improved households’ expectations over the economy in the next 12 months and five years as well as rosier expectations over family finances in the next 12 months. Moreover, their willingness to buy major household items improved.