Consumer confidence has lifted to its highest level since June, with more households expecting to be better off in a year.
The ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index lifted six points in November to just over 98.
However, a score below 100 indicates more pessimists than optimists.
“It’s good to see a decent lift in consumer confidence this month, though it is yet to break out of recent ranges,” ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said.
“Although it’s early days in terms of the economic recovery, this is not the only indicator suggesting that things are looking up for consumers,” she said.
A net 21% of respondents expected to be better off this time next year, the highest level since April.
“Consumer arrears have been declining, employment has returned to modest growth, and retailers are reporting improved activity,” Zollner said.
ANZ said a net 9% thought it was a bad time to buy a major household item, suggesting ongoing caution.
Zollner said the “good time to buy” indicator has not been positive in more than four years.
“Consumers’ reluctance to spend in recent years has certainly been felt by the retail sector.”
Zollner noted falling consumer arrears, employment returning to modest growth and retailers reporting improved activity.
“Our card spending data shows a return to growth across a broad range of discretionary categories, though overall spending levels are still very subdued compared to the Covid-era boom.”
Zollner said aside from lower inflation, the slowdown also led to household debt relative to incomes back to where it was before the housing bubble.
“Now we’ve taken our medicine, the stars are aligning for better times ahead.”
=======================================================
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
-
9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
-
43.2% I want to be able to choose.
-
47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Freehold, renovated, future potential
Hi everyone, we thought we’d share this here in case you, or someone you know, is looking for a lovely 2-bedroom freehold home in Blockhouse Bay. This has been our investment property for many years, and we’ve recently put a lot of care into preparing it for its next owners, including a brand-new kitchen, new flooring, and fresh paint inside and out. Set on a freehold section of around 560m², it offers a generous lawn, a new veggie garden, and future potential to add a cabin or sleepout. We truly hope it becomes a place where new memories are made.
For viewings, please contact Piyush and Manali Setia at Ray White Blockhouse Bay - 021 2363 854:
rwblockhousebay.co.nz...
Loading…
