Fashion
Australia’s consumer sentiment hits six-month low amid inflation fears
The October index read is now at firmly pessimistic levels, albeit still well above the very weak reads seen during the extended ‘cost-of-living’ crisis, according to Westpac.
Australia’s consumer sentiment fell to a six-month low, with the Westpac–Melbourne Institute Index dropping 3.5 per cent to 92.1 in October.
Inflation concerns and uncertainty over interest rates have dampened optimism, particularly regarding family finances, which fell nearly 10 per cent.
Despite weaker confidence, job security fears remain limited.
“Consumers appear to have been rattled by recent updates on inflation. ‘Partial’ measures released over the last month suggest annual inflation has lifted back towards the top of the RBA’s 2–3 per cent target range,” said Matthew Hassan, head of Australian macro-forecasting at Westpac in an article titled, ‘Westpac-MI Consumer Sentiment Bulletin’.
Although the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to hold rates steady in September provided some relief, sentiment remained firmly pessimistic.
The weakening was most pronounced in expectations for family finances, with the ‘family finances, next 12 months’ sub-index plunging nearly 10 per cent to 97.1—its lowest in over a year. Current assessments also fell 4.8 per cent to 82.1, suggesting that the boost from previous rate and tax cuts may be fading.
Short-term economic outlook expectations slipped 2.5 per cent to 89.9, while longer-term views edged up 1.4 per cent to 94. Meanwhile, the ‘time to buy a major household item’ sub-index dipped 1.1 per cent to 97.2, reflecting continued caution in consumer spending ahead of the holiday season.
Despite weaker confidence, consumers remain largely unconcerned about job security. The Unemployment Expectations Index dropped 2.9 per cent to 127.6. That takes the index slightly below its long-run average but still broadly consistent with a stable labour market.
“The Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Board (MPB) next meets on November 3–4. With inflation within the target range and monetary policy still a little on the restrictive side, the next rate move can reasonably be expected to be down. However, the MPB remains cautious, especially after the stronger than expected result for the August CPI indicator, and it will be sensitive to the flow of data from here. A cash rate cut in November is far from assured, though neither is it off the table,” added Hassan. “And the longer the MPB delays further cuts, the more likely it is that it will end up cutting by more than it currently envisages.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion demand in 2026 remains intact but more selective, with consumers spending cautiously and prioritising value, durability and versatility.
Intentional purchasing and promotion sensitivity are reshaping pricing dynamics and margin structures.
Polarised consumer behaviour is pushing brands to rebuild trust, justify full price and align sustainability with longevity.
Source link
Directed and shot by Mert Alas, the new chapter sharpens the focus on denim as the ultimate expression of personal style through icon Jung Kook’s distinctive and influential point of view as he lives in the moment.
Calvin Klein, owned by PVH Corp., has unveiled its Spring 2026 denim campaign fronted by BTS icon Jung Kook.
Directed and photographed by Mert Alas, the cinematic film fuses music, movement and city energy, highlighting 90s Straight, Baggy and reworked Trucker silhouettes.
A special appearance by Rosie Perez amplifies the brand’s signature visual storytelling.
The campaign unfolds across a series of immersive worlds, unified and guided by Jung Kook’s style, attitude and way of living. The high-impact film fuses fashion and entertainment, moving to an instantly recognizable soundtrack and brought to life through the artist’s signature choreography and commanding presence. The interplay of music and movement – complete with a cameo from New York City legend Rosie Perez – captures the impact synonymous with Calvin Klein’s iconic visual storytelling.
Calvin Klein jeans are at the center of the wardrobe with hero silhouettes leading the narrative: the effortless attitude of the 90s Straight; the relaxed and nostalgic proportions of the Baggy; and new interpretations of the iconic Trucker jacket — all reimagined with elevated washes and designed for versatility. Casual logo tees and oversized bombers complete the looks, reinforcing denim as both uniform and statement.
“I love Calvin Klein jeans because they’re designed to be lived in,” said Jung Kook. “The looks I wore for this campaign nod to ‘90s style while feeling completely modern. It was exciting to bring together my love of music, dance and fashion against the energy of the city.”
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Premier Li Qiang, who delivered the report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, said the growth target is “well aligned with the country’s long-range objectives through the year 2035 and is broadly in line with the long-term growth potential of China’s economy, with favorable conditions in place for achieving this target.”
China has set a GDP growth target of 4.5–5 per cent for 2026, alongside goals to stabilise employment, manage inflation, maintain grain output and cut emissions.
The plan also preserves flexibility for structural reforms under the 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to balance steady economic expansion with long-term, high-quality and sustainable development.
Main development targets for 2026 also include a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 per cent, creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, a rise in the consumer price index of around 2 per cent, personal income growth in step with economic growth, a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, grain output of around 700 million tonnes, and a drop of around 3.8 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP.
Qiang said the targets took into account the need to leave room for structural adjustments, risk prevention and reform in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period, to lay a solid foundation for improved performance in the coming years. Government at local level should, taking into account their own conditions, make solid efforts to deliver positive outcomes, he added.
Analysts said the 2026 target reflects a pragmatic approach in recognising structural and cyclical challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy, while pursuing reasonable growth in line with high-quality development.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Here’s Every Country Directly Impacted by the War on Iran
OpenAI Had Banned Military Use. The Pentagon Tested Its Models Through Microsoft Anyway
Don’t Risk Birdwatching FOMO—Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeders Now
Attock Cement’s acquisition approved | The Express Tribune
What are Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities?
India Us Trade Deal: Fresh look at India-US trade deal? May be ‘rebalanced’ if circumstances change, says Piyush Goyal – The Times of India
-
Politics1 week agoWhat are Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities?
-
Business7 days ago
India Us Trade Deal: Fresh look at India-US trade deal? May be ‘rebalanced’ if circumstances change, says Piyush Goyal – The Times of India
-
Business1 week ago
Attock Cement’s acquisition approved | The Express Tribune
-
Politics1 week agoUS arrests ex-Air Force pilot for ‘training’ Chinese military
-
Fashion1 week agoPolicy easing drives Argentina’s garment import surge in 2025
-
Business1 week agoHouseholds set for lower energy bills amid price cap shake-up
-
Sports6 days agoLPGA legend shares her feelings about US women’s Olympic wins: ‘Gets me really emotional’
-
Fashion7 days agoTexwin Spinning showcasing premium cotton yarn range at VIATT 2026