Economy grows by 0.2 percent in September quarter
Households rein in spending but government expenditure goes up as cost-of-living rebates kick in
2 min
Australian gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.2 percent in the September quarter, taking the annual rate of economic growth to 2.1 percent, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Katherine Keenan, ABS head of national accounts, said: “This was the eighth straight rise in quarterly GDP, but growth has slowed over 2023.”
Ms Kennan said the quarterly increase was due to a rise in government spending and investment while household spending remained flat. Government expenditure rose by 1.1 percent in the September quarter following an 0.6 percent rise in the June quarter.
“The growth in government expenditure was driven by social benefits to households, including the Energy Bill Relief Fund rebates, and extra payments for childcare, aged care and pharmaceutical products,” she said. The energy rebates had a big impact. The ABS said electricity prices rose by 4.2 percent during the quarter. Without the rebates, they would have risen 18.6 percent.
The Federal Government also spent more on defence, funding international training exercises held in Australia during the quarter. “National and state public corporations increased their capital investment by 8.9 percent, with boosted investment in transport, communication and utilities projects,” Ms Keenan said.
Wages including superannuation rose by 2.6 percent due to an increase in the super guarantee rate from 10 percent to 10.5 percent and a bump in the minimum wage alongside low unemployment. The wage price index rose 1.3 percent, which was the fastest quarterly rise on record. More jobs had wage movement and the average change in wages was significantly higher. The unemployment rate in the month of September was 3.6 percent.
Inflation rose by 1.2 percent during the September quarter, with the biggest contributors being higher petrol prices, rents, new dwelling purchases by owner-occupiers and electricity prices. Spending on fresh food fell 0.2 percent, alcohol purchases from bottle shops fell for the fifth consecutive quarter and gambling taxes fell 6.9 percent after a similar fall in the June quarter. Those who could afford it continued the post-COVID revenge travel trend. Travel services imports rose by 19.5 percent as more Australians headed overseas during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Travel exports grew 4.4 percent during the quarter due to the FIFA Women’s World Cup World Cup and a record level of international student enrolments.
Cost-of-living pressures fuelled by sticky inflation and high interest rates pushed the household saving-to-income ratio to its lowest level since 2007. The ratio fell for the eighth consecutive quarter, with Australians now only saving 1.1 percent of their incomes.
The impact of homeowners coming off fixed home loan rates was reflected in the 7.6 percent increase in interest paid by mortgagees over the quarter. The Reserve Bank did not raise the cash rate during the September quarter. Renters continued to do it tough, with rents now up 7.6 percent on an annual CPI basis, which is the largest annual increase since 2009. Australians also paid 7.6 percent more income tax due to the ending of the low and middle income tax offset.
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Australian shares fell on Thursday as Wall Street weakness, rising oil and persistent rate concerns weighed on most of the market. The S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.72 per cent to 8,702. The All Ordinaries lost 0.66 per cent to finish at 8,897. Mining stocks were hit particularly hard, while real estate also dragged on the index. …
Continue reading “ASX falls 0.7 per cent as miners and property stocks retreat”
2 minAustralian shares fell on Thursday as Wall Street weakness, rising oil and persistent rate concerns weighed on most of the market.
The S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.72 per cent to 8,702. The All Ordinaries lost 0.66 per cent to finish at 8,897. Mining stocks were hit particularly hard, while real estate also dragged on the index.
Energy was the notable exception, gaining more than one per cent as Brent crude traded above US$103 a barrel. Oil had moved higher amid uncertainty surrounding potential US diesel-export restrictions and broader geopolitical supply risks. The move supported energy producers but renewed concern about inflation inputs across transport and the wider economy.
Gold shares were weak even as spot bullion remained historically elevated. The All Ordinaries Gold index fell about 2.25 per cent, showing that equity performance can diverge from the commodity because of valuation, currency, operating and company-specific factors.
Zip was a prominent loser, falling 11.38 per cent after the company reported short sales after the previous close. Nine Entertainment also weakened after UBS analysts warned of near-term revenue challenges associated with its advertising-supported subscription tier.
Premier Investments led larger winners despite caution about the retail environment. Breville, in which Premier owns a significant stake, also appeared among leading movers. In the broader ASX 300 screen, Myer gained 11.43 per cent and MAAS Group rose 7.93 per cent, while Lotus Resources fell 10.53 per cent. These percentage moves should be checked against company announcements and trading liquidity before attributing causes.
The Australian dollar was broadly flat at US70.38 cents. Spot gold was around US$4,280 an ounce, Brent crude approximately US$103.08 a barrel and iron ore near US$96.90 a tonne late in the session.
The rate outlook remains the central domestic catalyst. Labour-market weakness has not eliminated the possibility of an RBA increase next week, leaving banks, listed property and other rate-sensitive sectors exposed to changing expectations.
Market dashboard
S&P/ASX 200: 8,702, down 0.72 per cent.
All Ordinaries: 8,897, down 0.66 per cent.
Best sector: Energy, up more than one per cent.
Weakest areas: Real estate and materials were the major drags; confirm final sector percentages before publication.
Material winner: Premier Investments led the large-company gainers. Confirm its final closing move from the ASX before publication.
Material loser: Zip, down 11.38 per cent.
ASX 300 percentage leader: Myer, up 11.43 per cent.
ASX 300 percentage laggard: Zip, down 11.38 per cent.
AUD/USD: Approximately US$0.7038, broadly flat.
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