Alongside the release of the weekly ANZ...>

AUSTRALIA: Alongside the release of the weekly ANZ consumer confidence data, ANZ

noted "The strength in confidence last week was encouraging. Overall sentiment

is now around the levels seen during the GFC , while a number of the sub-indices

have returned to levels that, while still low, are within the previous

historical experience. We think the gain over the past week is predominantly

attributable to the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions and optimism

surrounding the daily new cases figure. There is a long way to go before

sentiment gets to levels where people can be said to be optimistic, however. The

weakness in inflation expectations continues and could be a lasting feature of

the pandemic."