Michael Blythe Consumer Quotations

Whether or not this consumer caution becomes a persistent theme in 2006 will depend to a large extent on labor market trends.

We are getting the investment we need to see, ... It continues the theme of rebalancing in the economy: slowing consumer spending and housing being replaced with stronger exports and investment.

We are getting the investment we need to see. It continues the theme of rebalancing in the economy: slowing consumer spending and housing being replaced with stronger exports and investment.

Consumer caution persists and a weak housing sector remains a drag on overall services sector activity.

Consumer caution was shaping up as the major domestic risk to the Australian economic outlook in 2006. Good labor market outcomes were always going to be the best antidote to this caution.