Members commenced their discussion of domestic economic conditions by assessing the recent data on output growth. They noted that growth had slowed further in the December quarter, largely as expected. Aggregate demand had been supported over 2023 by strong growth in business investment and public spending, and members considered how likely it was this would continue in 2024. Members also noted, however, that household consumption growth had been very weak and negative in per capita terms, as high inflation and increases in interest rates and tax payments had weighed on real incomes. They observed that real household ... (full story)