NAB Consumer Spending Trend Report April 2026

This report presents the NAB Consumer Spending Trend for April 2026, detailing a 1.1% decline in consumer spending compared to the previous month. The report outlines significant decreases in both discretionary and non-discretionary spending, with notable reductions in travel and recreation expenditures. Specifically, discretionary spending fell by 1.3%, primarily driven by a 9.3% drop in travel spending. The report also highlights a 1% decline in essential spending, which reflects a normalization following previous stockpiling behaviors. Year-over-year, consumer spending increased by 6.5%, mainly due to growth in essential categories like fuel and utilities. The report further discusses the impact of fuel price changes on consumer behavior, noting a 6.5% decrease in fuel spending in April, attributed to a reduction in fuel excise. Additionally, it examines spending trends across various categories and demographics, providing insights into how different age groups and income levels are responding to economic conditions.