Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: Labour Market data was reported at 43.900 Index in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 43.900 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: Labour Market data is updated quarterly, averaging 48.800 Index from Sep 2014 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 60.100 Index in Sep 2017 and a record low of 29.400 Index in Jun 2020. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: Labour Market data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey.

Leading Economic Index Australia increased 0.10 percent in October of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Australia Leading Economic Index - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The Finance sector's operating environment was previously characterised by record-low interest rates. Nonetheless, high inflation prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to hike the cash rate from May 2022 onwards. This shift allowed financial institutions to impose higher loan charges, propelling their revenue. Banks raised interest rates quicker than funding costs in the first half of 2022-23, boosting net interest margins. However, sophisticated competition and digital disruption have reshaped the sector and nibbled at the Big Four's dominance, weighing on ADIs' performance. In the first half of 2025, the fierce competition has forced ADIs to trim lending rates even ahead of RBA moves to protect their slice of the mortgage market. Higher cash rates initially widened net interest margins, but the expiry of cheap TFF funding and a fierce mortgage war are now compressing spreads, weighing on ADIs' profitability. Although ANZ's 2024 Suncorp Bank takeover highlights some consolidation, the real contest is unfolding in tech. Larger financial institutions are combatting intensified competition from neobanks and fintechs by upscaling their technology investments, strengthening their strategic partnerships with cloud providers and technology consulting firms and augmenting their digital offerings. Notable examples include the launch of ANZ Plus by ANZ and Commonwealth Bank's Unloan. Meanwhile, investor demand for rental properties, elevated residential housing prices and sizable state-infrastructure pipelines have continued to underpin loan growth, offsetting the drag from weaker mortgage affordability and volatile business sentiment. Overall, subdivision revenue is expected to rise at an annualised 8.3% over the five years through 2024-25, to $524.6 billion. This growth trajectory includes an estimated 4.8% decline in 2024-25 driven by rate cuts in 2025, which will weigh on income from interest-bearing assets. The Big Four banks will double down on technology investments and partnerships to counter threats from fintech startups and neobanks. As cybersecurity risks and APRA regulations evolve, financial institutions will gear up to strengthen their focus on shielding sensitive customer data and preserving trust, lifting compliance and operational costs. In the face of fierce competition, evolving regulations and shifting customer preferences, consolidation through M&As is poised to be a viable trend for survival and growth, especially among smaller financial institutions like credit unions. While rate cuts will challenge profitability within the sector, expansionary economic policies are poised to stimulate business and mortgage lending activity, presenting opportunities for strategic growth in a dynamic market. These trends are why Finance subdivision revenue is forecast to rise by an annualised 1.1% over the five years through the end of 2029-30, to $554.9 billion

Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Average Unit Costs data was reported at 38.000 Index in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.000 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Average Unit Costs data is updated quarterly, averaging 15.000 Index from Sep 1998 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 107 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 59.000 Index in Jun 2022 and a record low of -9.000 Index in Mar 1999. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Average Unit Costs data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey.

Overview with Chart & Report: Westpac-MI Consumer Sentiment m/m reflects a percentage change in the level of consumer confidence in Australia's economic activity, compared to the previous month. A higher than expected reading can

Banks are grappling with a transition from years of loose monetary policy to tighter financial conditions. Soaring inflation prompted an RBA pivot in the face of surging energy, housing and food prices. The RBA hiked the cash rate multiple times from May 2022 to November 2023. Prior to this, banks cashed in on high residential housing prices, with low interest rates and government schemes encouraging strong mortgage uptake over the course of the pandemic. APRA also eased the interest rate buffer in 2019, before raising it in 2021. Interest hikes have pushed up banks' incomes over the past few years. Meanwhile, banks' interest deposit expenses and funding costs have also risen while elevated interest rates have dampened industry profit margins over the past few years. Overall, industry revenue is expected to expand at an annualised 9.3% over the five years through 2024-25, to $259.2 billion. This includes an anticipated slump of 8.3% in 2024-25, as inflationary pressure shows signs of easing, the cash rate easing, weighing on interest income. As banks passed on cash rate rises through higher interest rates, the RBA's policy approach has had a cascading effect on the economy. There’s a lag before these hit customers, with some fixed-rate mortgages gradually rolling over through 2023 and 2024. Banks are securing more interest income from existing loans but must manage inflated borrowing costs and bigger payouts on deposit accounts. Residential housing prices are set to stabilise, while heavy mortgage payments will price out some potential homeowners. Banks will be monitoring consumer spending amid inflationary pressures and spiralling borrowing costs. APRA has strengthened rules for managing interest rate risks, effective from October 2025. The updated Prudential Standard APS 117 requires major financial institutions to implement robust frameworks to manage these risks effectively. The big four will need to keep up with rapid technological change, managing cyber security as consumers embrace online financial services. Competition isn't easing up as smaller technology-focused firms disrupt the finance sector and foreign banks tap into the Australian market. Revenue is projected to climb at an annualised 0.3% over the next five years, to total $262.6 billion in 2029-30.

Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: sa: Expected data was reported at 55.400 Index in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 57.100 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: sa: Expected data is updated quarterly, averaging 56.000 Index from Mar 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 69 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73.600 Index in Dec 2021 and a record low of 33.800 Index in Dec 2008. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Composite Index: sa: Expected data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

The Travel Insurance Market size was valued at USD 20.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 55.38 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.4 % during the forecasts period. Recent developments include: In September 2022, battleface launched a brand new customisable travel insurance product to avoid unnecessary costs, and meet specific needs of the business travel sector , In August 2022, Generali acquired majority stakes in the AXA-Affin joint ventures in Malaysia to widen its leadership position in high potential markets including travel insurance, and others , In July 2021, Allianz acquired Westpac’s general insurance business to increase the range of products including travel insurance, and other general insurances offered by Allianz through Westpac, and expand its customer base .

Consumer Confidence in Australia increased to 98.50 points in August from 93.10 points in July of 2025. This dataset provides - Australia Consumer Confidence - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Revenue in the Business Financing industry has been highly volatile over the past five years, reflecting swings in interest rates, investment appetite and economic conditions. Industry revenue has grown strongly at an annualised rate of 16.9% through the end of 2025-26, with lenders benefiting from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rapid rate hikes during 2022-23. Higher lending rates significantly lifted the value of repayments and widened net interest margins, pushing revenue to an estimated $83.1 billion in 2025-26. However, this includes an estimated 6.8% decline in 2025-26, as early interest rate cuts and softer business confidence begin to reduce repayment values and dampen new borrowing activity. Profit margins have narrowed even as revenue surged. Intense competition from fintech lenders and neobanks has forced traditional banks and non-bank financiers to invest heavily in digital platforms, compliance and cybersecurity. These outlays, combined with rising loan loss provisions as arrears edged higher, have weighed on profitability. Margins that exceeded 20% earlier in the decade are now sitting closer to the low teens, underscoring the pressures on earnings despite revenue growth. The challenge for banks is balancing competitive pricing and digital innovation against the rising cost of compliance and risk management. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to rise modestly at an annualised 1.0% through the end of 2030-31, reaching $87.4 billion. Lower interest rates are projected to constrain repayment values, keeping revenue growth subdued compared with the recent past. At the same time, greater use of retained earnings among large corporates and tighter risk standards for SMEs will limit loan growth. However, opportunities remain in sectors like logistics, health care and renewable energy, where businesses are investing in productivity gains and transition projects. Profitability is set to remain under pressure as lenders contend with high compliance costs and more cautious underwriting, but financers that adapt their products to support digital transformation and capital investment will be best placed to capture demand.

Overview with Chart & Report: The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index reflects individuals' expectations concerning New Zealand's economic activity. The indicator is calculated based on a survey, which covers the

Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Comparing with 3 Months Ago: Hiring Difficulty data was reported at 17.000 Index in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 15.000 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Comparing with 3 Months Ago: Hiring Difficulty data is updated quarterly, averaging 5.000 Index from Sep 1998 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 107 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 68.000 Index in Sep 2022 and a record low of -41.000 Index in Jun 2020. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Comparing with 3 Months Ago: Hiring Difficulty data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey.

The New Zealand payments industry is booming, with a projected 15.97% CAGR through 2033. This in-depth analysis explores market size, key players (ANZ Bank, ASB Bank, Visa, Mastercard), growth drivers (digital wallets, e-commerce), and future trends. Discover insights on mobile payments, online sales, and the evolving landscape of New Zealand's financial technology sector. Recent developments include: May 2022- Mastercard and Openly, based in Adelaide, have announced an Australian first partnership that will provide organizations with a comprehensive view of their supply chain privacy and cyber risk posture. Openly is a technology startup that claims its service, Openly Vendor Monitor, improves transparency between buyers and suppliers by continuously monitoring privacy risks., March 2022- American Express introduces the American Express Gold Rewards Card in New Zealand, with rewards that will benefit Card Members who enjoy dining out and the local hospitality industry. The metal Card is available in classic gold or rose gold., February 2022- The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has begun a three-year principal partnership with American Express. Still, the partnership has already been criticized, given Amex's history with the sex work community. Amex highlighted its value for embracing differences as a key reason for wanting to sponsor the significant event when the partnership was announced last year., November 2021- Eftpos' enhanced security features, including two-factor authentication, were initially adopted by local merchants Till Payments, Fat Zebra, and Eftex.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing use of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' scheme, Increasing availability of digital wallet based on mobile payment app. Potential restraints include: Growing use of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' scheme, Increasing availability of digital wallet based on mobile payment app. Notable trends are: Increasing use of credit card payment method.

The global overseas transfer market is projected to reach a significant market size of million USD by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The market growth is driven by increasing globalization and international business activities, leading to a rising demand for efficient and cost-effective cross-border money transfer services. Additionally, advancements in digital payment technologies, such as mobile payment apps and blockchain, have further fueled market growth by providing convenient and secure transfer options. Key market trends include the increasing popularity of digital transfers, which offer convenience and speed, and the growing adoption of mobile banking apps. Furthermore, government regulations and compliance requirements are driving innovation and standardization in the market. The market is fragmented, with major players such as Hang Seng Bank, OCBC Bank, Westpac, Citigroup, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia holding significant market shares. However, there is increasing competition from fintech companies offering innovative and low-cost transfer services. Market growth is expected to be driven by increasing cross-border trade, the rising number of migrant workers, and the development of new payment technologies.

Market Size for Australia Auto Finance Industry Size on the Basis of Loan Disbursement in USD Billion, 2018-2024 In 2023,approximately 85% of new vehicle purchases were financed through loans or leasing, reflecting the strong role of financial services in Australia’s automotive sector. The preference for structured financing options continues to rise due to affordability concerns and flexible payment structures.Sydney and Melbourneare key markets due to their high vehicle demand and extensive automotive infrastructure. TheAustralian auto finance market reached a valuation ofAUD 130 Billion in 2023, driven by increasing demand for vehicle ownership, favorable interest rates, and a growing inclination towards electric vehicles. The market is characterized by major financial institutions such asCommonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Macquarie Bank, and auto-financing firms likeToyota Finance, BMW Financial Services, and Volkswagen Financial Services. These entities dominate the auto financing landscape, offering diverse financing options for new and used vehicles.

Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Capacity Utilisation data was reported at -12.000 Index in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of -10.000 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Capacity Utilisation data is updated quarterly, averaging -9.000 Index from Sep 1998 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 107 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.000 Index in Sep 2022 and a record low of -70.000 Index in Jun 2020. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: Capacity Utilisation data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey.

The Credit Card Issuance industry has contracted as the number of cards issued and balances accruing interest have fallen. Issuers have faced significant competition from other forms of payment like debit cards and BNPL services. The monthly value of debit card transactions has continued to surpass the monthly value of credit card transactions thanks to initiatives like the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) least-cost routing initiative. BNPL services have also gained popularity with younger consumers who constitute a significant market for online sellers. That's why revenue is set to weaken by an annualised 5.3% over the five years through 2024-25, to $7.6 billion. To compete with sophisticated competition, credit card issuers have beefed up their reward and referral programs and integrated online payment, service and customer acquisition platforms into their operations. The Big Four banks dominate the industry and NAB's acquisition of Citigroup's Australian consumer banking business has expanded its collective market share. Economic conditions tied to inflationary pressures have ravaged consumer sentiment and appetites for spending through credit. Some customers have opted to pay down debt instead and have avoided taking on more. A sharp climb in interest rates over the past few years has compounded this dynamic, which is set to constrain industry performance in 2024-25, with revenue declining by an anticipated 0.9%. Credit card issuers' performance will improve over the coming years as economic conditions recover. Credit card issuance revenue is projected to expand at an annualised 2.0% through the end of 2029-30, to total $8.4 billion. The RBA is forecast to slash the cash rate once inflation falls within the central banks' target band, lifting credit card issuer profit margins as funding costs drop. Alternative payment methods, like BNPL services, debit transactions and other fintech solutions, are on track to sap away demand for credit cards. However, easing inflationary pressures and lower interest rates over the medium term are set to spur household consumption expenditure and credit card use. In response to the fierce competition, issuers will emphasise innovation and enhance their rewards and points systems to entice consumers.

Mortgage lenders are dealing with the RBA's shift to a tighter monetary policy, as it fights heavy inflation. Since May 2022, the RBA has raised the benchmark cash rate, which flows to interest rates on home loans. This represents a complete reversal of the prevailing approach to monetary policy taken in recent years. Over the course of the pandemic, subdued interest rates, in conjunction with government incentives and relaxed interest rate buffers, encouraged strong mortgage uptake. With the RBA's policy reversal, authorised deposit-taking institutions will need to balance their interest rate spreads to ensure steady profit. A stronger cash rate means more interest income from existing home loans, but also steeper funding costs. Moreover, increasing loan rates mean that prospective homeowners are being cut out of the market, which will slow demand for new home loans. Overall, industry revenue is expected to rise at an annualised 0.4% over the past five years, including an estimated 2.2% jump in 2023-24, to reach $103.4 billion. APRA's regulatory controls were updated in January 2023, with new capital adequacy ratios coming into effect. The major banks have had to tighten up their capital buffers to protect against financial instability. Although the ‘big four’ banks control most home loans, other lenders have emerged to foster competition for new loanees. Technological advances have made online-only mortgage lending viable. However, lenders that don't take deposits are more reliant on wholesale funding markets, which will be stretched under a higher cash rate. Looking ahead, technology spending isn't slowing down, as consumers continue to expect secure and user-friendly online financial services. This investment is even more pressing, given the ongoing threat of cyber-attacks. Industry revenue is projected to inch upwards at an annualised 0.8% over the five years through 2028-29, to $107.7 billion.

A favourable international sharemarket performance has facilitated the expansion of New Zealand's funds management sector. Fund managers are increasingly tapping into the lucrative global market as the growth of funds under management (FUM) outpaces domestic assets. This trend, alongside easing inflationary pressures, rate cuts by the United States Federal Reserve and thriving AI trends, has led to significant growth in FUM. KiwiSaver assets exceeded the $100.0 billion milestone in the first quarter of 2023-24 and hit $120.0 billion in the September 2024 quarter. The mounting complexity of managing such massive capital inflows calls for the expertise that super fund managers offer. These factors are why revenue is expected to have jumped at an annualised 6.3% over the five years through 2024-25, to $6.7 billion. This rise includes an anticipated uptick of 0.4% in 2024-25 thanks to strong FUM growth. However, the lucrative market has attracted many new entrants, intensifying competition. The proliferation of alternatives like robo-advisory has exacerbated competition, pressuring fund managers' pricing and margins. In response, many investment service providers, including ANZ Investments and NAB, are consolidating and concentrating on their core offerings. Despite these challenges, the number of businesses has risen, reflecting the sector's growth potential as FUM swells. Regulatory changes will substantially impact service providers over the coming years. Upcoming changes like the Conduct of Financial Institutions legislation will boost compliance costs and weigh on industry profitability. The private asset investment reform proposed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will, if implemented, facilitate increased allocation of funds into unlisted assets like infrastructure projects and non-listed companies, necessitating fund managers' services. Despite continued FUM growth, sophisticated competition and intense regulatory requirements will challenge investment service providers’ profitability. Service providers will continue divesting non-core segments to alleviate profitability pressures, aiming to enhance efficiency and profit margins through economies of scale. Technology investment will rise as providers look to boost operational efficiency and cybersecurity measures. Overall, revenue for funds management and other investment services operators is forecast to climb at an annualised 3.5% over the five years through 2029-30, to total $8.0 billion.

Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Output data was reported at 23.000 Index in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.000 Index for Dec 2024. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Output data is updated quarterly, averaging 20.000 Index from Sep 1998 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 107 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 55.000 Index in Mar 2021 and a record low of -34.000 Index in Dec 2008. Australia Industrial Trends Survey: for Next 3 Months: Output data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.S043: Australian Chamber-Westpac Industrial Trends Survey.