Money

Growing concerns over job security even as inflation eases

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Ahron Young

The NAB Consumer Stress Index report has seen a consistent uptick for the past five quarters, reaching its highest level since the first quarter of 2020.

The primary factor contributing to this stress is the cost of living.

“While the stress related to the cost of living has steadied, apprehensions regarding job security continue to surge, particularly in the December quarter,” notes the report.

The juxtaposition of stable cost-of-living stress against the rising concerns about job security holds significance for the 2024 consumer outlook.

Consumption smoothing

Australians are resorting to “consumption smoothing,” meaning they are making deliberate choices to manage their household finances, support their lifestyles, and handle unforeseen expenses.

Stress levels concerning living costs remained unchanged at 69.4 points during the final three months of December, primarily due to the moderation of inflation.

Overall, the NAB Consumer Stress Index climbed to 59.9 points, up from 56 points in the preceding December quarter.

This development comes as PM Anthony Albanese called a sudden caucus meeting in Canberra, bringing together all Labor MPs to discuss measures aimed at mitigating the inflationary impact on middle Australia’s cost of living.

Job-related stress

NAB also pointed out that apart from job-related stress, consumers are increasingly concerned about the effect of government policies on their future spending and savings plans.

The survey revealed that slightly over one in five consumers now experience “very high” levels of stress due to government policies.

“Consumers also reported the highest level of stress stemming from their ability to fund their retirement since the onset of Covid in March 2020.”

Concerns about job security have been on a steady rise among consumers since the third quarter of 2022, coinciding with more challenging economic conditions.

Consumer anxiety

In the December quarter of 2023, it reached 48.2 points, marking an almost 14% increase from the previous year and consistently exceeding the NAB survey average of 45.8 points.

NAB anticipates that consumer anxiety about job prospects will continue to grow this year as unemployment rates rise amid a slowing economy.

NAB’s forecast indicates that the jobless rate may reach 4.5% by the end of 2024, up from 3.9% recorded last month.

Money

RBA rate shock: ASX200, Gold and Crypto market

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

Published

16 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

The RBA’s latest interest rate decision has sent ripples through the ASX200 and AUD, leaving investors weighing what comes next. We break down how these changes could affect global equities ahead of this week’s crucial non-farm payroll and consumer price index releases.

Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry Markets shares his analysis on the rebound in gold and silver after recent market turbulence, and what factors could drive further gains or sell-offs in the commodities market.

We also dive into the current state of cryptocurrencies, exploring how investors can navigate volatility and what to watch as economic data continues to shape market sentiment.

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#RBA #ASX200 #GoldMarket #SilverRebound #CryptoUpdate #InvestingTips #MarketVolatility #EconomicOutlook

Money

Dow hits record while tech stocks drive market gains

S&P 500 rose 0.7% with Nvidia and Broadcom driving gains; investors await delayed January jobs and inflation reports.

Published

17 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 rose 0.7% with Nvidia and Broadcom driving gains; investors await delayed January jobs and inflation reports.

The S&P 500 rose 0.7% on Monday, powered by gains in technology stocks, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit new heights. Investors are eagerly awaiting crucial economic reports this week.

Nvidia and Broadcom were among the standout performers, climbing 3% and 4% respectively, continuing the momentum from the previous session. The market rebound comes after significant losses earlier last week, with the Dow exceeding 50,000 for the first time ever on Friday.

Investors now turn their attention to the delayed January jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, due Wednesday, and the consumer price index for January, expected Friday with a 2.5% annual rise.

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Money

Tech stocks slide as investors rotate into small-cap and value plays

Nasdaq drops 1.84% amid turbulent week; investors pivot to cyclical and value sectors from high-growth tech.

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nasdaq drops 1.84% amid turbulent week; investors pivot to cyclical and value sectors from high-growth tech.

U.S. equity markets wrapped up a turbulent week with mixed results. The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.84%, marking its worst week for large-cap technology stocks since November, while the S&P 500 remained largely unchanged. Investors are weighing concerns about artificial intelligence and potential overinvestment in high-growth areas.

Meanwhile, smaller-cap and value-oriented stocks continued to add to their year-to-date gains. Market participants rotated into cyclical sectors that had lagged, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment and appetite for risk outside the traditional tech heavyweights.

Analysts say this rotation highlights the broader market’s evolving dynamics, as growth concerns collide with opportunities in underappreciated areas. Stay tuned for further developments as the market digests these trends.

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