FX.co ★ Australian Building Capex Slumps 3.8% in Q1 2026, Reversing Late-2025 Growth

Australia’s building capital expenditure swung sharply lower in the first quarter of 2026, falling 3.8% month-over-month and marking a notable reversal from the 2.5% increase recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest data, updated on 28 May 2026, signals a loss of momentum in construction-related investment after a period of growth at the end of last year.

The comparison is based on month-over-month movements, with the current reading showing the change in Q1 2026 relative to the prior month, while the previous figure captured the change in Q4 2025 versus its preceding month. The shift from positive to negative territory suggests a cooling in building activity that may weigh on overall investment trends in early 2026, and will likely draw close attention from investors and policymakers assessing the strength of Australia’s economic outlook.