Aussie consumer sentiment ‘cautiously pessimistic’

The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index is out, with sentiment largely unchanged in February, edging up 0.1% to 92.2 from 92.1 in January.

Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index basically unchanged in February.
Firming rate cut expectations supporting a positive outlook for finances.
Weaker current finances point to post–Christmas ‘hangover’.
Unsettled global backdrop restraining expectations for the economy.
Affordability challenges still holding back sentiment towards home buying.

The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index was basically unchanged in February, edging up 0.1% to 92.2 from 92.1 in January.

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About the author

Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.