WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Australians riding a new wave of confidence, but eyes turn to interest rates
Shrugging off concerns about the global financial crisis and unemployment, Australians are
riding a new wave of confidence, according the Sensis® Consumer Report released today.
However, the report, which interviewed 1,500 Australians nationwide from 18 August to 21
September, shows concerns about interest rates are beginning to re-emerge in some
households.
Report author Ms Christena Singh said consumer confidence rose to the strongest level
since November 2007.
“Overall, almost seven in 10 Australians are confident about their financial prospects for the
year ahead, while less than two in 10 are worried,” Ms Singh said.
For those who are worried about their financial prospects, the cost of living followed by
unemployment and uncertainty about the economy are the main reasons for their
uneasiness.
In line with stronger consumer confidence, consumption trends for the next 12 months
increased for almost all categories, with the exception of health and medical expenses,
where the trend fell marginally but remained positive.
Australians are also increasingly optimistic about the outlook for the Australian economy,
with half believing it will be stronger in 12 months time and just 17 per cent expecting it to be
in worse shape. In a first since November 2007, more Australians feel the economy will be
better off in a year’s time than feel it will be worse off.
When looking at Australians’ overall concerns, Ms Singh noted that social and not economic
issues were highest on Australians’ agendas.
Australia’s health system rated as the biggest problem, with a concern level of 7.28 out of a
possible 10, followed by the environment (7.12) and the drought (7.08).
Concerns about interest rates rose for the first time in four quarters, from 5.49 to 5.79.
Ms Singh noted that internet security was the issue which increased most during the quarter,
up by 0.37 to 5.95.
-ENDS-
For further information or for interviews, please contact:
De-Arne Carr on 03 9397 5677 or 0419 585 711
The Sensis® Consumer Report is available now by contacting the above.
NEWS 
