Overview
- ANZ’s January Business Outlook shows headline confidence easing to 64 from December’s 74 yet remaining historically strong.
- Surveyed firms report solid momentum in past activity and employment, pointing to potential for a firm fourth‑quarter GDP outcome.
- Pricing intentions jumped to a net 56.5% and numerical pricing intentions rose to 2.1%, with cost expectations lifting notably in construction and retail.
- Wage indicators strengthened as expected wage growth reached 2.8% and 72% of firms reported pay increases over the past year.
- ANZ‑Roy Morgan consumer confidence climbed to 107.2, a four‑year high, with the big‑ticket purchase gauge turning positive at +1 and household inflation expectations steady at 4.6%.