The challenge
Consumer sentiment and expectations play a crucial role in shaping economic decisions and activities. Understanding these factors is essential for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to make informed decisions. The challenge lies in consistently and accurately capturing the attitudes, sentiments, and expectations of Australian households regarding the economy.
The Consumer Attitudes, Sentiments and Expectations in Australia (CASiE) Survey started in 1974 as a response to this challenge.
The survey
Today CASiE is conducted mainly online with support from phone interviews involving around 1200 Australian households. The monthly survey gauges public opinion on topics such as the state of our economy, political preferences, employment prospects, expectations of price changes, savings, debts and financial investments. The sample is stratified to include demographics such as age (18+), gender and location. Unit record data has been available since 1995.
The impact
The CASiE Survey has a significant impact on economic analysis and decision-making, including economic indicators and consumer behaviour insights that are widely used as a source for forecasting the state of the Australian economy. This information informs policymakers, banks and financial institutions about public perceptions and expectations.
CASiE is referenced in numerous studies, reports and journals including:
- Reserve Bank of Australia Bulletin and discussion papers
- Journal of Applied Econometrics
- Journal of Money, Credit and Banking
- European Economic Review
- Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control
Our partners
The CASiE Survey is funded principally by the Westpac Corporation and is supported by contributions from other sources, including the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Reports and time series data
Data from the CASiE Survey is used to compile the Melbourne Institute and the Westpac- Melbourne Institute macroeconomic time series reports, available via subscription or single issue purchase.