Anyloan Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Economy's Chill: Aussie Consumers Tighten Purse Strings Further

Economy's Chill: Aussie Consumers Tighten Purse Strings Further

Economy's Chill: Aussie Consumers Tighten Purse Strings Further?w=400

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.

Share this news item:

Finance News

RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures
RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's ongoing concerns about inflation, which has risen above the target range of 2-3% and is expected to remain elevated for some time. - read more
ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026
ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
ANZ Bank has revised its cash rate forecast, now expecting no cuts until February 2026. This adjustment aligns with similar revisions by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more
RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections
RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its November 2025 Statement on Monetary Policy, highlighting concerns about rising inflation and providing insights into the future of the Australian economy. - read more
RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% in November 2025
RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% in November 2025
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with employment objectives. - read more
ANZ Revises RBA Rate Cut Forecast to February 2026
ANZ Revises RBA Rate Cut Forecast to February 2026
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
ANZ has adjusted its forecast regarding the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) next cash rate cut, now anticipating the reduction to occur in February 2026. This revision aligns with similar adjustments by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more


Finance Articles

5 Essential Personal Loan Tips Every Millennial Should Know
5 Essential Personal Loan Tips Every Millennial Should Know
Personal loans have become an increasingly popular financial tool among millennials in Australia. As the cost of living rises and life goals such as buying a home or pursuing higher education loom on the horizon, personal loans offer a means to achieve these goals with more immediate access to funds. However, the array of options and terms can be bewildering, making it crucial for young adults to approach borrowing with a prudent mindset. - read more
How to Increase Your Borrowing Power Efficiently
How to Increase Your Borrowing Power Efficiently
Borrowing power refers to the amount of money a lender is willing to loan you, based on your financial situation. - read more
Essential Factors to Consider When Comparing Australian Loan Providers
Essential Factors to Consider When Comparing Australian Loan Providers
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
Smart Borrowing in the Digital Age: Navigating the World of Online Loans
Smart Borrowing in the Digital Age: Navigating the World of Online Loans
In today's digital age, the landscape of borrowing has evolved with the emergence of online loans. The convenience and accessibility offered by online lenders have made them an increasingly popular choice for Australians seeking financial assistance. However, it is essential to approach online borrowing with caution and make informed decisions to ensure smart borrowing practices. - read more
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - 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!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Personal Loan:
a loan that is granted for personal use, normally unsecured and granted by a lender on the borrower's integrity and capacity to repay


Quick Links: | Personal And Business Loans Australia | Business Loan Options | Personal Loans Australia | Leasing Finance Solutions | Finance Brokers Australia | Unsecured Business Loans | Vehicle And Equipment Finance | Compare Finance Quotes | Quick Loan Approval | Low Interest Loans | Flexible Loan Terms