Australian economic reports
A review of the week's important data and events as well as key information affecting the Australian market - prepared by Westpac Economics.
Federal Budget 2026
Budget 2026-27: Impact by industry sector
From tax reforms to spending cuts, this year’s Federal Budget signalled some controversial new directions. Here Westpac Institutional Bank analysts consider its likely impacts, sector by sector.
2026 Federal Budget: What does it mean for SMEs
Key new initiatives specifically for SMEs.
2026 Federal Budget: What does it mean for business
Key new initiatives for the business sector.
RBA
CPI falls short but pass through pressures building
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team on the April CPI.
Rate call tweak: August and September not June and August
We adjust the timing of our rates view given the RBA’s language and forecasts. Two hikes still expected given our own forecast review and Middle East developments this week.
RBA hikes in May, mixed messages for the near term
A video with Chief Economist Luci Ellis on the RBA Board decision and the economic outlook.
Latest Australia and New Zealand weekly
Q1 GDP Partials & Forecast Update
We have revised our expectation for Q1 GDP lower, reflecting a softer contribution from the government sector. Today’s data confirms that the economy was slowing before the conflict in the Middle East had really started to impact. That impact is expected to see a more material weakening in Q2 2026 with the possibility of an outright contraction.
Australia and NZ Weekly 1 June 2026
Monday re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Australia and NZ Weekly 1 June 2026
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Morning Report
Morning Report
Today's economic developments and market movements.
Morning Report
Today's economic developments and market movements.
Morning Report
Today's economic developments and market movements.
Westpac - Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index
Things still looking pretty gloomy in consumer-land
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
Consumer sentiment ticks up from extreme low
The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index rose 3.5% to 83 in May from 80.1 in April.
Consumer Sentiment tanks in April as fuel prices spike
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.