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Australia’s consumer sentiment slides in December on renewed angst over inflation, rate

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Published Tue, Dec 16, 2025 · 07:49 AM
    • A Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey showed its main index of consumer sentiment fell 9 per cent to 94.5 in December, after surging 12.8 pre cent the month before.
    • A Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey showed its main index of consumer sentiment fell 9 per cent to 94.5 in December, after surging 12.8 pre cent the month before. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

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    [SYDNEY] Australia’s consumer sentiment slid in December after turning positive for the first time the previous month, as households grappled with renewed angst over inflation and the interest rate outlook, a private survey showed on Tuesday.

    A Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey showed its main index of consumer sentiment fell 9 per cent to 94.5 in December, after surging 12.8 pre cent the month before. The reading dropped back below 100, suggesting pessimists outnumbered optimists. REUTERS

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