Households Spend More as Fuel and Power Savings Free up Cash: CommBank

The report points out that while spending is lifting, it’s not bouncing back as strongly as expected.

Australian $50, $20, $10 and $5 banknotes and dollar coins in Newcastle, Australia, on March 25, 2025. Roni Bintang/Getty Images

Australian households are gradually returning to discretionary spending, with increased activity in dining, entertainment, and travel despite subdued economic conditions, according to new data from the Commonwealth Bank.

The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose by 0.5 percent in May, reflecting tepid household activity overall.