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Westpac Consumer sentiment rises, but still weak
The Westpac consumer sentiment index rose 2.5 per cent in September, but remains downbeat with household financial pressures continuing to weigh on confidence. Consumer sentiment has risen in September but remains relatively weak compared to the same time a year ago. The latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of consumer sentiment rose 2.5 per cent in September to 97.9 points, from 95.5 in August, but was down 3.5 per cent compared to a year ago. Westpac's chief economist Bill Evans said family finance pressures, rising energy prices, concerns surrounding interests rates and housing affordability continue to weigh ... (full story)