2月澳大利亚消费者信心指数因加息继续下滑

Core Viewpoint - The Westpac Bank and Melbourne Institute report indicates a decline in consumer confidence in Australia, with the consumer sentiment index dropping 2.6% to 90.5 points in February 2026, remaining in a pessimistic state due to interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) [1] Group 1: Consumer Confidence Index - The consumer confidence index fell to 90.5 points in February 2026, marking a 2.6% decline, exacerbated by the RBA's interest rate hike [1] - The decline in consumer confidence is less severe than the historical average drop of 3.8% following interest rate increases [1] - The current index level of 90.5 points is significantly higher than the extremely low levels observed from 2022 to 2024 [1] Group 2: Economic Indicators - The sub-index predicting the economic situation for the next year increased by 0.1% to 88.5 points, while the five-year outlook decreased by 2.5% to 94.1 points [2] - The sub-index measuring household financial conditions for the next year fell by 0.1% to 97.7 points, and the index reflecting changes in household financial conditions over the past year dropped by 4.7% to 78.8 points [2] - The index for purchasing major household items decreased by 5.6% to 93.5 points, and the housing market index fell by 6.3% to 84 points [2] Group 3: Interest Rate Expectations - The interest rate expectations index surged by 16.1% to 177.5 points, the highest level since June 2023, indicating consumers are preparing for further rate hikes [3] - The RBA is expected to hold its next monetary policy meeting on March 16-17, with a potential for another rate increase in May, depending on upcoming inflation data [3] Group 4: Additional Consumer Confidence Reports - The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index fell by 3.6 points to 76.9 points during the week of February 2-8, reaching its lowest level since December 2023 [4] - The most significant decline was observed in consumers' assessment of the macroeconomic situation, with the five-year outlook hitting a 25-year low [4] - Households currently repaying mortgages are reported to have the lowest consumer confidence levels [4]