In this episode, Paige Estritori breaks down Australia's financial scene. The country's consumer sentiment is negatively impacted by high inflation, high-interest rates, and reduced disposable income, leading to concerns about a more significant economic slowdown. Meanwhile, despite economic challenges, the Australian housing market remains resilient, with new home loan commitments increasing by 1.5% in February, signifying robust demand and growth. However, the building sector is facing a potential housing shortage due to a drop in building approvals and rising costs. Financial authorities are working on balancing the monetary policy, and the industry is considering innovative strategies to meet housing targets. For more insights, tune in to Financial Services Online next week.n