Consumer Staples

The market is building in an assumed consumer recovery in 2011 on the strength of the Australian economy. But strategists argue such assumptions ignore a post-GFC change in the consumer mindset.

This week’s GDP data suggest the Oz consumer is back on a spending spree, but Westpac economists believe there will be no return to boom times from the past.

Yesterday’s surge in Foster’s shares was always going to be a bit of a joke. Here’s why.

June quarter retail sales numbers for Wesfarmers were solid, the key Coles business delivering a good result and offering evidence the turnaround in the business is continuing.

The July 6 Policy Meeting minutes confirm what investors should know already: the RBA has no intention of raising the cash rate beyond 4.5%, unless it has to.

Australian companies begin reporting FY10 results next week. FNArena provides some useful tips for the small investor – what to look out for, and what traps not to fall into.

Australian consumer spending has suffered during the GFC but in the view of Commonwealth Bank there are signs the trend is now set to reverse.

Consumer confidence in Australia has bounced in a much stronger fashion than was expected.

Westpac suggests Australia is undergoing a sea change in consumer behaviour, which brokers see as having an impact on operations for retailers of consumer discretionary items in particular.

The minutes from the June RBA meeting, released today, show what we all knew already: the RBA is now firmly on hold.