Australian consumer confidence softened in March 2026, with the Thomson Reuters IPSOS Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) easing to 50.63 from 52.46 in February. The latest reading, updated on 13 March 2026, points to a month-over-month deterioration in sentiment as households assess the economic outlook, personal finances and investment climate.
The March print remains just above the neutral 50-mark, indicating that sentiment is still marginally positive but has weakened compared with the previous month. The “Actual” March figure is measured against February 2026, while the February reading itself was a comparison to January, highlighting a cooling trend in momentum over recent months.
The moderation in the PCSI suggests Australian consumers may be turning more cautious, a potential signal for retailers, policymakers and investors tracking the strength of domestic demand into the second quarter of 2026.
