2026.05.0100:19:33UTC+00NZ Consumer Confidence Falls to Near 3-Year Low

The ANZ–Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index fell sharply to 80.3 in April 2026 from 91.3 in March, its lowest level since May 2023. The index has declined by 20 points over the past two months, coinciding with the onset of the conflict in the Middle East.

The share of households viewing it as a good time to purchase a major household item—a key indicator for retail spending—dropped by 11 points to a net balance of -25, the weakest reading since September 2024.

The future conditions index slid to a two-year low, falling to 85.9 from 96.7, while the current conditions index declined to 71.9 from 83.1, its lowest level since October 2023.

Assessments of current personal finances also worsened notably, with the net balance deteriorating to -31% from -20%, the weakest reading since mid-2008. Only a net 3% of respondents expect their financial situation to improve over the next year.

Economic expectations for the year ahead plunged by 23 points to -48%, the lowest level in three years. The five-year-ahead economic outlook also softened, slipping 2 points to +3%.

House price inflation expectations eased to 3.2% from 3.8%, while two-year inflation expectations rose to 6.6%.