A measure of Australian consumer confidence jumped in July as households became more optimistic about the economic outlook and their finances following recent interest rate cuts, a survey showed today. The poll of 1,200 people by Westpac Bank and the Melbourne Institute showed its index of consumer sentiment climbed 3.7 per cent in July to 99.1, adding to June's slight 0.3 per cent increase. "Finally we have some evidence that the Reserve Bank's policy of cutting the official cash rate by 125 (basis points) between November last year and June this year is starting to gain more positive traction with ... (full story)