21 Feb 2014

Consumer confidence eases from 7-year high

1:10 pm on 21 February 2014

Consumer confidence has eased from a seven-year high, but remains buoyant despite the prospect of higher interest rates.

The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index slipped three points to 133, its first decline in five months.

A reading above 100 indicates optimism.

ANZ says households remain upbeat due to higher house prices, rising employment, and reasonable income growth.

Analysts expect the Reserve Bank to start lifting the official cash rate from its record low of 2.5 percent next month.