-- The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 3.5 points to 67.8 in the week of April 20 to April 26, ANZ reported Tuesday.
The four-week moving average rose 2.3 points to 64.7 points.
Australian consumer confidence improved in the reported week, reaching its highest level since mid-March, with gains across all sub-indices led by stronger views on economic conditions, although it remains near historic lows, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.
Headline inflation is forecast to have risen 1.4% quarter-on-quarter, partly due to higher fuel prices in March, and the Reserve Bank of Australia is still expected to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points at its May meeting, Angala added.
Weekly inflation expectations fell to 6.6% from 7.1%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months rose 4.6 points to 63. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months inched up to 75.4 points from 75.3.
Short-term economic confidence for the next year rose 4.7 points to 56, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years increased to 78.3 points from 72.9.
The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory rose 2.4 points to 66.1.