Quiet quarter in card spending

The motor vehicle industry recorded a small increase in retail card spending in the December 2018 quarter - up $0.9 million, or 0.2 per cent on the September quarter. 

Spending also rose in three other retail industries. The largest movement was in the fuel industry, down $92m - 4.7 per cent. This was followed by the food and liquor retailing or ‘consumables’ industry, up $62m - 1.0 per cent.

“The fall in the fuel industry coincided with petrol prices falling from record highs,” retail statistics manager Sue Chapman said. “By the end of the December quarter, petrol prices had come down nearly 40 cents a litre.”

Motor vehicle spending down in December month

Retail card spending was quiet in the last month of 2018, with spending on vehicles falling by 0.8 per cent – or $1.5 million - compared with November 2018. 

When adjusted for seasonal effects, overall retail spending fell 2.3 per cent in the December 2018 month, after a 0.5 per cent fall in the November 2018 month.

“Growth in December was softer than usual, so in seasonally adjusted terms we are seeing lower sales as a result,” retail statistics manager Sue Chapman said.

The largest fall came from the durables industry, (including electronics, whiteware, hardware, and furniture) down $58m – or 4.4 per cent - followed by the fuel industry, down $50 million - 8.0 per cent.

When adjusted for seasonal effects, overall retail spending fell 2.3 per cent in the December 2018 month, after a 0.5 per cent fall in the November 2018 month.

“Growth in December was softer than usual, so in seasonally adjusted terms we are seeing lower sales as a result,” said Chapman.