RBA stories
Rising oil prices and higher borrowing costs are squeezing retail and housing-linked firms, while mining continues to hold up.
Households and retailers face extra strain after confidence fell 2.7% in November, with mortgage holders hit hardest ahead of Christmas shopping.
Many Australian retailers will borrow or defer payments to fund Black Friday stock and staff as AI shopping tools loom over sales.
Fuel-price pressures helped lift spending, but CreditorWatch said the data still points to softer consumer demand after recent rate rises.
Mortgage and business borrowing costs have climbed to their highest in 18 years after the Reserve Bank of Australia's 25 basis point move.
Borrowers face higher mortgage costs after the Reserve Bank lifted rates to 4.85%, its highest level in 18 years.
Mortgage repayments are about AUD $600 a month higher for average borrowers after the Reserve Bank lifted rates to 4.85%.
A likely rate hike has added pressure to buyers as the combined capitals preliminary auction clearance rate slumped to 47.2% last week.
Borrowers could face higher repayments as economists say the cash rate is likely to rise 25 basis points to an 18-year high.
Hiring improved in the September quarter as small business jobs rose 3.9%, though wage growth slowed and sector performance stayed uneven.
Rising fuel costs and broad-based price pressures have left the Reserve Bank of Australia with little room to hold rates steady next week.
Higher borrowing costs and weak confidence have left Australia's spring housing market sluggish, with sales down 20.9% and selling times stretching to 41 days.
The latest jobs report may exaggerate weakness, with CreditorWatch's chief economist blaming volatile state and part-time figures for the national drop.
The latest figures point to weaker demand and tighter margins, with employment across Australian small businesses down 0.6% in July.
Higher borrowing costs and cautious shoppers are forcing retailers to protect margins, avoid markdowns and get stock to the right place.
Households are feeling the squeeze as higher fuel costs and the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest rate rise drove confidence down 4.7% in October.
Renters could keep earning card rewards as surcharges and platform changes push more landlords to drop credit card payments.
Renters who rely on card rewards could soon lose that option as one major payments platform stops taking cards, prompting a new alternative.
Small firms risk a cash squeeze as tax, wages and super all fall due before Christmas, while customer payments slow into January.
Small retailers face thinner margins unless card fees fall through to merchant plans, with borrowing power also likely to weaken later.
