Consumer confidence
Beloved Perth business puts out distress call as cost of living bites
In only 6½ years it’s built a whopping following, making it one of Perth’s most successful shops of its kind. So why can’t that keep the wolf from the door?
- by Emma Young
Latest
The surprise state topping Australia’s economic ladder
It’s not WA, although the mining state is fast gaining on top spot, leading on relative population growth and home lending metrics.
- by Jacob Shteyman and Abe Maddison
Consumer confidence bounces with stage 3 tax cuts
The joy may be short-lived, with inflation data due next week key to the Reserve Bank board’s next interest rate move.
- by Rachel Clun
Opinion
Comedy
My breaking point? Being on hold for 2 hours and 27 minutes
After hours of agonising hold music, I really should hang up, and yet a single thought keeps me on the line: what if I’m next?
- by Thomas Mitchell
Tax cuts buoy shoppers, but businesses start to feel interest rate pinch
Consumer confidence has climbed sharply, thanks partly to the Albanese government’s revamped tax cuts. But new figures show businesses are starting to struggle.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Opinion
2023: The year of the gloomy consumer
Consumers will be happy to see the back of 2023 as we roll into a not-so-merry Christmas.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Opinion
For subscribers
‘Your call is important to us’ and other lies you’ll hear if you ever get through
Why do providers of customer service, supposed experts in their field, provide their customers with information they know is nonsense?
- by Jo Pybus
Opinion
For subscribers
Persistent pessimism: Why Australians are depressed about the economy
While economists increasingly believe that Australia will avoid a recession, actual consumers are being buffeted by pressure on their own household budgets.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Editorial
Opinion
Boldness needed as economic headwinds hit NSW budget preparation
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will soon deliver his government’s first budget but renewed fears about sections of the NSW economy faltering have taken the shine off.
- The Herald's View
Opinion
Consumer spending
Why we don’t cut our cosmetics (or coffees) in tighter times
Buying coffee and lipstick give us a hormone hit that ensures we won’t slash our spending on them when times are tight.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Wary consumers fear RBA is not done with rate rises
As evidence mounts that consumers are shutting their wallets, a key measure of confidence actually fell despite interest rates remaining steady.
- by Shane Wright
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/consumer-confidence-1mpi