MNI:Australia ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Sentiment +2.1% Aug26 Wk

     SYDNEY (MNI) - Consumer confidence rose 2.1% in the week to August 26,

recouping more than half the decline seen the week prior and likely reflecting a

sense of relief over the resolution of the political leadership crisis, data

from ANZ-Roy Morgan showed.

     Confidence had fallen 3.5% the week before on reports of political turmoil

in Canberra. The drama unfolded at the start of last week and while it resulted

in a change of leadership and loss in political polls for the Liberal party,

households might be cheering the resolution.

     From ANZ-Roy Morgan weekly consumer confidence data published Tuesday:

                                    August 26  August 19

--------------------------------------------------------

Consumer Confidence Index               116.5      114.1

Long-run Average                        113.0      113.0

Financial Situation Vs Yr Ago           108.7      107.4

Financial Situation Next Yr             123.3      119.6

Economic Conditions Next Yr             109.4      106.3

Economic Conditions Next 5 Yrs          114.7      108.1

Time to Buy Major Household Item        126.5      129.3

Inflation Expectations 2-Yrs Ahead       4.3%       4.4%

--MNI Sydney Bureau; tel: +61 2-9716-5467; email: sophia.rodrigues@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: MTABLE,MALDS$,M$A$$$,M$L$$$]