Services surge drives Australian household spending recovery

Australian household spending rebounded in the first month of 2026, buoyed by a significant appetite for services despite a softening market for major goods.

According to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, national spending rose 0.3% in January, reversing a 0.5% decline recorded in December 2025.

The recovery highlights a resilient consumer base, with nominal spending sitting 4.6% higher than in January 2025.

Tom Lay, ABS Head of Business Statistics, noted that growth was evident across five of the nine primary spending categories.

"Household spending returned to growth in January," Lay said, attributing much of the momentum to the services sector, which climbed 1%.