The Australian economy expanded by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, up from 0.3% in Q1, when growth had slowed to its weakest pace in a year. The latest outcome also beat market expectations of a 0.3% increase. The expansion was underpinned by pockets of private demand, partly satisfied through higher imports, as well as stronger mining exports supported by inventory drawdowns. On an annual basis, GDP growth slowed to 2.1% from 2.5% in Q1—its softest rate in three quarters—yet remained above the 1.8% consensus forecast.