Despite the traditional post-budget bounce, Australian consumer sentiment is still at worrying levels. The Westpac-Melbourne institute index of consumer sentiment, released today, rose to 89.8 index points from 87.4 points in April, a rise of 2.7 per cent. The improvement is considered minimal in light of a 7.5 per cent increase after last year’s budget, coupled with the fact that the figure last month was the lowest recorded for 15 years. The limited retreat from April’s low indicates... ...Read more »

Consumer confidence has fallen further in the past month according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment released today. The index is at 15 year lows and indicates that the interest rate rises and global economic concerns are now starting to unsettle consumers. With restaurant sales falling by .1% last month, the weakest result for almost two and a half years, restaurateurs and cafe owners may have cause for concern as consumers continue to look at ways to cut back their... ...Read more »

Almost 65% of Australians felt that food safety was the same or had improved during the previous year, according to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Consumer Attitude Survey launched today. When launching the survey today, FSANZ’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve McCutcheon, said that food plays a vital role in our lives and it is important for consumers to feel confident in how it is regulated “The survey, commissioned by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, gives a good insight... ...Read more »