After rising 2.1% in March, consumer spending declined in April by 1.1%. Spending remains higher over the past year, but reveals shifts in spending patterns as households respond to changing costs and conditions.
14 May 2026 | 3 min read
17 February 2026
NAB’s Consumer Spend Trend report reveals how Australians are navigating the economic landscape, with fresh insights into where, how and what households are spending. Based on aggregated transaction data, the report tracks shifts in consumer behaviour across states, industries and demographics.
Over the last month
- Consumer spending grew 0.5% after a slight decrease in December.
- January’s solid rise comes on the back of a very strong quarter for spending in the three months to December.
- Goods spending increased 0.3% mom, with the strongest growth in personal goods spending. This was partially offset by a 2% decrease in fuel spending.
- Services spending rose 0.7% with growth recorded in most categories.
- Consumers cut back on spending on travel and hospitality in January.
Over the last year
- Total spending grew 6.6% over the past year. Personal goods spending saw the largest increase among goods categories. Services spending growth was mainly driven by higher utilities costs following the end of energy bill rebates.
Click the link below to view the detailed report:
