Confident Or Constrained Consumer?

Australian consumers are starting to spend more as disposable incomes and wealth climb, a welcome boost for the economy that could slow the pace of monetary easing if it persists, according to Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock. Though I am not buying what she is selling. Australian consumers are of course a mixed bunch, with some feeling pretty happy about the state of their finances (especially if older and mortgage free) while others are under significant pressure, given rents are still rising, mortgage rates are still high, and costs of living are still rising faster than the official cpi series […]