Source: CommBank Media
CommBank's Household Spending Intentions report released today revealed a 'distinct' upturn in car spending intentions from late 2019.
This is despite the well-documented 25-month continuous fall in new car sales, and is something CommBank puts down to the wealth effect.
The 'wealth effect' is a phenomenon where as house prices increase, more people feel confident to spend money on expensive items like new cars.
The wild fluctuation in household spending intentions between sectors is the new normal, according to CommBank chief economist Stephen Halmarick.
“When we look at spending intentions last month, we can see both entertainment and travel spending intentions declined sharply as the economic shutdown took hold, with both categories witnessing the lowest readings since the series began,” he said.
“In contrast, retail, online learning and health and fitness spending intentions saw sharp rises as people prepared themselves for an extended shutdown of many parts of the economy."
Despite COVID-19 challenges, many car dealerships are still conducting business through virtual showrooms, and many experts are saying it's a 'perfect storm' for buying a new car.
The wealth effect could also take a dive, as CommBank economists are predicting a 'worst case scenario' of house price slumps in the capital cities up to a third.
In the market for a new car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest fixed interest rates on the market.
Lender | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fixed | New, Used | 99 years | More details | ||||||||||
FEATUREDAPPLY ONLINE | Car Loan
| ||||||||||||
Car Loan
| |||||||||||||
Fixed | New | 2 years | More details | ||||||||||
NO ONGOING FEES | New Car Loan
| ||||||||||||
New Car Loan
| |||||||||||||
Fixed | New | 2 years | More details | ||||||||||
QUICK APPLICATION PROCESS WITH NO FEES | New Vehicle Fast Loan Low Rate
| ||||||||||||
New Vehicle Fast Loan Low Rate
| |||||||||||||
Fixed | New | 1 year | More details | ||||||||||
No ongoing fees | Plenti Car Loan
| ||||||||||||
Plenti Car Loan
|

- Unlimited extra repayments
- Flexible repayment options
- Can apply online
- You could win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. Open to customers who settle a car loan with loans.com.au. Terms and conditions apply.
Base criteria: fixed and secured car loans for 'low emission' cars. Rates based on a loan of $30,000 for a five-year loan term. Products sorted by advertised rate. Repayments are calculated based on advertised rates. *The Comparison rate is based on a $30,000 loan over 5 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of June 27, 2022. View disclaimer.
Motor vehicle spending intentions. Source: CommBank Household Spending Intentions Report
Home buying spending intentions also started to nosedive from April, after reaching record highs in March, despite RBA rate cuts which would ordinarily "be expected to support buying intentions".
"Into May, however, we have seen a recovery in auction clearance rates that suggest some more home buying activity ahead," the report said.
"In addition, the ability to have more people at open houses and auctions will help. The sharp rise in unemployment and the hit to confidence will likely continue to drag on the housing sector."
CoreLogic reported for the week ending 10 May, the nationwide auction clearance rate was 59.9%, up from 47.5% in the previous week, and a recent low of just 30.2% four weeks ago as lockdowns took full effect.
Last week's clearance rate was the highest result since the week ending 15 March, however the number of auctions held in the past week was 80% lower than that high.
Home buying intentions. Source: CommBank Household Spending Intentions Report
Health and fitness spending intentions also up despite gym closures
You don't necessarily need to pump iron to get your health and fitness fix.
CommBank's report detailed the health and fitness household spending intentions segment was the only one to increase.
This is despite many amateur sports leagues halting games and training, and gyms closing.
"Health and fitness spending intentions are being supported by spending on nursing and personal care and, especially, bicycle shops and fitness equipment – implying that efforts to try and stay fit and healthy during the shutdown period are a positive," the report said.
Step one in the Australian Government's easing of lockdowns includes the reopening of outdoor gyms, playgrounds and skate parks with a limit of ten people.
Health and fitness spending intentions. Source: CommBank Household Spending Intentions Report
Latest Articles
- Macquarie Bank cuts variable rate home loans by 25 basis points
- Which banks increased term deposit rates this week?
- Westpac dynamic CVC reduces card fraud by 80%
- Is Australia headed for a recession?
- Gen-Xers and Millennials driving property price growth in regional areas
Latest News
Which car manufacturers offer 7-seater vehicles?
May 31, 2022
RACQ Bank launches green car loan
May 24, 2022
Is it a good idea to buy a car at auction?
May 17, 2022
Be Savings smart.
Subscribe for free money newsletters.
to the Savings Privacy Policy