Consumer confidence rises

Interest rate cuts and rising stock markets and house prices see confidence rise

Mike King

Mike King is a Fool.com.au Investment Analyst and Writer. He caught the investing bug more than a decade ago, at a time when the U.S. had invaded Iraq and fear reigned in the markets. His initial success as the markets took off encouraged his passion and thirst for knowledge. With 13 years behind him at one of Australia's largest domestic banks, Mike's passion for stocks led him to join a boutique funds management firm, where he stayed for four years. A seven-year stint in equity research at one of the largest investment banks in the world followed that, giving Mike a thirst to pursue his passion further. Mike holds a Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. His passion is to help retail investors invest better, and that passion was one of his primary reasons for joining The Motley Fool Australia in late 2011. Mike has written thousands of articles since joining, including for Fairfax Media, Yahoo!7, Ninemsn and has also appeared on ABC's The Business. You can see all of Mikes' holdings here

Published March 13, 2013 11:49 am AEDT

Consumer confidence has surged to its highest level in two years after rising for the third time this year.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of consumer confidence rose 2% in March to 110.5, following a 7.7% rise in February. A reading over 100 indicates optimism and has held for five straight months.

Improved conditions in the world economies, a rising stock market and low interest rates appear to be contributing to household confidence. The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the official cash rate by 175 basis points since November 2011, equal to its post-GFC low, and finally they appear to be having an effect.

We've already seen signs of rising confidence in our consumer discretionary stocks like Harvey Norman Holdings (ASX: HVN) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), which have reported rising sales after months of declining revenues. Fashion retailers like Speciality Fashion (ASX: SFH) and Country Road (ASX: CTY) have also seen strong rises in sales in recent times.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data out today also show house prices surged in the last quarter of 2012, with the median house price rising by 3.8%, sending a clear signal that the record low interest rates are starting to fuel a recovery in long-suffering housing sector. When people see the value of their houses rising, they regain a modicum of confidence. Add in rising stock markets, and the impact that has on consumer's superannuation, and people become more confident of spending.

The Foolish bottom line

More good news for consumers and Australian businesses alike. However, Westpac economist Bill Evans has suggested that concerns over the job market may still be lingering and that we would need to see an improvement in job numbers to further raise consumer confidence.

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The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in JB Hi-Fi.

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