Household spending in Australia fell by 0.5% in June, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by ABS.
The decline follows consecutive rises of 1% in May and 0.8% in April.
“This is the first month where the spending indicator includes seasonally adjusted data for selected categories,” said Robert Ewing (pictured above), ABS head of business statistics. “This new data shows households spent less on services in June, but more on goods compared to May.”
Lower spending on recreational and cultural services, hotel accommodation, and dining out contributed to a 1.8% drop in services spending.
However, this decline was partially offset by a 0.5% increase in spending on goods, as households took advantage of end-of-financial-year sales, ABS reported.
Household spending rose in all states and territories compared to the same time last year, in calendar-adjusted terms. The largest percentage increases were seen in Western Australia (+6.8%), Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory (both +5.6%).
Ewing highlighted improvements in the spending indicator.
“As well as seasonally adjusted estimates for selected categories, this spending indicator now includes dollar levels and quarterly chain volume measures, as well as improved methodology,” he said.
In the June quarter, household spending volumes were 1.4% higher than the same period last year (in original terms).
Furnishings and household equipment saw the largest annual rises at 6.7%, followed by miscellaneous goods and services at 4.9%.
In contrast, spending on alcoholic beverages and tobacco fell by 12.8%, ABS reported.
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