Economy's Chill: Aussie Consumers Tighten Purse Strings Further
Economy's Chill: Aussie Consumers Tighten Purse Strings Further
5
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The economic climate in Australia seems to be cooling down even further as new data reveals that consumer spending continues to contract sharply.
This downturn indicates a deeper recession gripping Aussie households.
Fresh insights have emerged from two significant reports. The first came from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which unveiled April's Household Spending Indicator (HSI). This vital measure represents nearly two-thirds of total household expenditure.
Justin Fabo of Antipodean Macro provided charts showing the ABS HSI, indicating that nominal spending growth remained sluggish in April. More worryingly, the spending numbers in discretionary sectors, which are often seen as indicative of consumer confidence, appeared particularly feeble.
It’s worth noting that these charts measure spending in nominal terms. Adjusting for population and inflation would show an even steeper decline in real per capita spending, painting a more concerning picture.
Meantime, Westpac released its own data on consumer activity via the Card Tracker Index. This index tracks the vast volume of daily credit and debit card transactions processed by the bank. Recent findings are not encouraging.
According to the latest figures, the Westpac Card Tracker Index dipped by 2.2 points in the final two weeks of May, landing at 132.7 as of the week ending June 1. The downward trend has been persistent, with the average reading for the past eight weeks falling by approximately 0.5 points compared to the preceding eight weeks.
The quarterly growth pulse recorded a conspicuous negative rate of -1.1%, indicating substantial contraction in economic activity when adjusted for inflation.
When looking at the state-level breakdown, a uniformly broad decline is evident, though Western Australia shows somewhat milder quarterly decreases. Despite this slight regional resilience, the overall story remains grim.
The detailed assessment of HSI and Card Tracker Index data suggests that real per capita household consumption, as captured in the national accounts, continues to plummet.
The narrative is clear-Australian households are navigating through an intractable recession without a foreseeable short-term respite.
Published:Sunday, 9th Jun 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has welcomed Housing Australia's recent decision to expand lender access to the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme. This strategic move is set to increase competition among lenders and provide prospective home buyers with greater access and choice in the housing finance market. - read more
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed strong support for the Albanese Government's recently unveiled National AI Plan, viewing it as a significant step toward unlocking the vast economic and productivity benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) can offer to Australia's finance sector. This strategic initiative is poised to position the nation at the forefront of AI integration within financial services, potentially contributing up to $60 billion to the economy. - read more
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently published an inaugural report focusing on residential mortgage non-bank lenders (RNBLs), highlighting their integral role in facilitating home ownership across the nation. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on how these lenders are pivotal in providing diverse financing options, especially for segments of the population that may find traditional banking avenues less accessible. - read more
In a significant development for the Australian banking sector, ANZ has successfully completed its $4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp Bank. This strategic move, finalised on 31 July 2024, marks a pivotal expansion for ANZ, enhancing its service offerings and market reach across the nation. - read more
The Australian mortgage market is witnessing a notable shift as non-bank lenders increasingly capture a larger share, challenging the dominance of traditional banking institutions. This trend is driven by digital innovation and evolving consumer preferences, leading to a more competitive landscape in home financing. - read more
Smart borrowing is crucial for individuals and businesses in Australia to manage their financial goals effectively. With a well thought-out borrowing strategy, you can optimize your finances, minimize costs, and achieve your financial objectives. - read more
Understanding the loan application process can be quite challenging. However, with the right tools, it becomes much easier to navigate. One of these essential tools is a loan calculator. - read more
Understanding the nuances of interest rates in today's Australian financial landscape is more than a matter of mere fiscal responsibility; it is a critical step in safeguarding your personal economy and ensuring that any loan acquired aligns perfectly with your financial aspirations for 2024 and beyond. In a world where every percentage point can translate into significant savings or costs over time, grasping what's at stake when selecting a loan provider becomes an essential skill. - read more
Financial wellbeing is often a balancing act that many Australians find challenging. In an age where the cost of living seems to climb incessantly, managing money effectively has never been more critical. Yet, despite the importance of financial literacy, many individuals struggle to break free from the cycle of poor budgeting and erratic spending habits. - read more
Welcome to the beginning of your financial journey. As an Australian, understanding the nuances of financial planning is pivotal to securing your economic future. Whether you're applying for your first loan or on the cusp of retirement, the financial decisions you make will have a lasting impact on your life. This guide aims to walk you through each stage, providing practical advice that you can apply to your own circumstances. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and
compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Mortgage Broker: A person or company that acts as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders, but does not lend money directly.