调查：澳大利亚消费者信心降至18个月低点

Core Viewpoint - Australian consumer confidence has significantly declined, reaching its lowest level in 18 months, as consumers weigh the possibility of an interest rate hike next month [1] Group 1: Consumer Confidence - Australian consumer confidence dropped by 5.2 points to 79.3, marking the lowest level in 18 months [1] - The decline in consumer confidence is attributed to concerns over potential interest rate increases by the Reserve Bank of Australia [1] Group 2: Interest Rate Outlook - The probability of an interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia next month is currently at 30% [1] - If the upcoming fourth-quarter inflation data indicates a worsening inflation outlook, the likelihood of a rate hike may increase [1] - The Reserve Bank of Australia has signaled that it will not further lower interest rates and has noted that recent inflation rates have deviated from the target level of 2.5% and are on an upward trend [1] Group 3: Economic Forecast - ANZ Bank economist Sophia Angala stated that while the expectation is for the Reserve Bank of Australia to maintain interest rates unchanged until 2026, the risk of a rate hike in the first half of this year has increased [1]