Australia Consumer Confidence Hits Four-Year High Amid Economic Optimism
Australian consumer sentiment surged 12.8% in November to 103.8 points, marking the first net-positive reading since February 2022, according to Westpac Banking Corp.'s latest survey. The rebound ends a 44-month streak of pessimism as households grow more optimistic about housing and demand.
"This is an astonishing reversal," said Westpac macro strategist Matthew Hassan. The resilience comes despite lingering concerns over jobs and inflation, with the Reserve Bank holding rates steady at 3.6%. The confidence boost reduces near-term odds of monetary easing.