Consumer confidence perks up, but not among everyone

Women are more pessimistic than men, and remain cautious about consumer spending. (Image: Getty)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024

The Westpac McDermott Miller consumer confidence index rose 4.3 points to 93.2 last month, its highest point in more than two years, as household confidence improved. That is, however, still down on the average of 108.2, reflecting a continued level of pessimism about economic conditions. The index is seen as a barometer of how households' financial situation has changed over the past year, whether they are more likely to make a major purchase and how they see their near- and medium-term financial prospects.Westpac senior economis...

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