FX.co ★ Australian Consumer Mood Deteriorates as Westpac Sentiment Index Slips Further in February

Australian consumer confidence weakened further in February 2026, with the Westpac Consumer Sentiment index declining to -2.6% from -1.7% in January. The latest reading, updated on 9 February 2026, signals a deepening pessimism among households as sentiment remains in negative territory.

The move from -1.7% to -2.6% suggests that consumers are becoming more cautious about their financial outlook and the broader economic environment. While the indicator was already signaling subdued confidence at the start of the year, February’s drop underscores persistent concerns that could weigh on household spending and, by extension, broader economic momentum in Australia.

Market participants and policymakers will be watching subsequent readings closely to assess whether this deterioration in sentiment is temporary or the start of a more entrenched downtrend in consumer confidence.