Australian Consumer Confidence Stays Below 70
The national confidence index remains at 67.9, marking a fourth straight week of low sentiment for households.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Spending
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The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index measured 67.9 in late October, remaining below the 70-point threshold for the fourth consecutive week. This figure sits 4 points below the average recorded throughout 2026.
Why it matters
Low consumer sentiment serves as a critical indicator of national financial health, reflecting widespread anxiety over family budgets and future earnings. With a majority of Australians reporting they are worse off financially, spending on major household items remains constrained.
The index hit 67.9, a 17.9-point drop compared to the same period in 2025. Only 14 percent of respondents view the current climate as a good time to purchase major household items, while 52 percent report feeling financially worse off than a year ago.
The players
ANZ
ANZ is one of Australia's major banking institutions that co-produces the weekly consumer confidence index.
Roy Morgan
Roy Morgan is a prominent Australian market research firm known for its regular polling and consumer data collection.
The details
While confidence saw slight improvements across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, sentiment declined in Victoria. Currently, 42 percent of Australians anticipate their families will be worse off financially next year.
Timeline
October 20-26, 2025, when the index measured 85.8.
Late October 2026, when the index dropped to 67.9.
Market Dynamics
The current index of 67.9 marks a notable underperformance relative to the established 2026 weekly benchmark of 71.9. This persistent slump indicates a broader trend of cautious consumer behaviour that diverges from previous annual norms.
The ongoing decline suggests households are likely to limit discretionary spending, which may impact retail growth and personal savings strategies. Readers should anticipate continued price sensitivity and a focus on essential goods within the broader market.
The takeaway
The sustained lack of confidence suggests a challenging environment for household budgeting as families prepare for future financial uncertainty. Maintaining a conservative approach to major purchases may be a prudent strategy for many Australians given these current sentiment trends.
Further reading
For more information on national economic trends, visit Australia Spending.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Roy Morgan.
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