Institution
Westpac Research & Economic Insights
Finvaulta tracks 72 research reports on Westpac, updated through August 31, 2026. Latest: “Australia & New Zealand Weekly”.
Westpac's research highlights a complex intersection of geopolitical risk and shifting monetary policy across the Asia-Pacific region. While Middle East tensions have historically pressured energy-dependent economies like India, recent optimistic reports on US-Iran negotiations have triggered a market rally, easing oil prices and supporting risk-sensitive assets like the AUD. In the Pacific, a notable divergence has emerged as Australian headline inflation moderated to 4.2%, tempering immediate RBA rate hike expectations. Conversely, the RBNZ maintains a hawkish posture following a split decision to hold the OCR at 2.25%, with Westpac forecasting a potential tightening cycle starting in September 2026. Across Asia, China’s management of the USD/CNY fixing serves as a critical stability anchor amidst global volatility, even as tech-driven growth in South Korea and Taiwan masks underlying economic fragility. Overall, Westpac's outlook remains cautious, balancing easing headline inflation against rising long-term inflation expectations and persistent energy shocks.
Featured reports
Australia & New Zealand Weekly
Westpac examines Australasian monetary policy, noting that while an upside surprise in Australia's July CPI increases the risk of a November RBA hike, it is not yet the base case. Meanwhile, the RBNZ is expected to hike the OCR to 2.75% in September and continue tightening toward 4.00% in 2027, supporting NZD appreciation.
Australian GDP: A Preview Bulletin
Westpac forecasts Australian Q2 2026 real GDP to rise by 0.2% q/q (1.7% y/y), reflecting modest growth weighed down by net exports and lumpy business capex. Domestic demand remains resilient at 0.5% q/q (3.3% y/y), driven by consumer spending and dwelling construction.
Westpac-MI Leading Index Bulletin: Leading Index Suggests Growth a Little Less Sluggish
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index growth rate improved to -0.2% in July 2026 from -0.4% in June, indicating Australian economic growth remains sub-trend but not severely weak. GDP growth is projected to remain positive overall while tracking close to flat per capita, supporting a continued RBA cash rate hold in September.
Card Activity: Solid Growth Pulse Returns
The Westpac-DataX Card Tracker Index rose 2.6 points to a record high of 159.6 as of early August 2026, driven by a 2.4% resurgence in discretionary spending. Softer spending on fuel and electricity has created headroom for holiday travel and services, posing upside risk to Q3 household consumption forecasts.
Quarterly Business Signal
The Q2 2026 Westpac Business Signal reveals a K-shaped recovery where large corporates maintain resilient performance while SMEs face sharp margin compression. Rising energy costs and consumer-facing sector weakness are key drags on the economy.
Westpac-MI Leading Index Bulletin
The Westpac-MI Leading Index dropped to –0.36% in June, signaling a loss of economic momentum in Australia. This downturn is driven by higher fuel costs and recent RBA interest rate hikes.
Westpac Market Outlook
This report outlines a volatile global outlook driven by renewed Middle Eastern conflict and its impact on inflation and commodity prices. It projects further interest rate hikes for the RBA and analyzes structural economic challenges in the US, China, and the UK.
Australia and New Zealand Weekly
The RBA maintained a hawkish stance at its June meeting despite steady rates, signaling possible future hikes. Meanwhile, easing energy prices following a Middle East ceasefire provide temporary relief to the Australian and New Zealand economies.
Economic Calendar September 2026
Morning Report
Economic Overview: Shaking It Off
All reports
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Australia & New Zealand Weekly
Westpac · Aug 31, 2026
Economic Calendar September 2026
Westpac · Aug 29, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Aug 28, 2026
Australian GDP: A Preview Bulletin
Westpac · Aug 28, 2026
Economic Overview: Shaking It Off
Westpac · Aug 27, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Aug 26, 2026
Westpac-MI Leading Index Bulletin: Leading Index Suggests Growth a Little Less Sluggish
Westpac · Aug 26, 2026
Preview of RBNZ September 2026 Monetary Policy Statement
Westpac · Aug 26, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Aug 25, 2026
Card Activity: Solid Growth Pulse Returns
Westpac · Aug 17, 2026
Morning Report: Today's Economic Developments and Market Movements
Westpac · Aug 17, 2026
Weekly Economic Commentary: Political Drama and Mixed Data
Westpac · Aug 17, 2026
Australia & New Zealand Weekly
Westpac · Aug 17, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Jul 23, 2026
Quarterly Business Signal
Westpac · Jul 22, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Jul 22, 2026
Westpac-MI Leading Index Bulletin
Westpac · Jul 22, 2026
CPI Review Chartpack
Westpac · Jul 22, 2026
Australia & New Zealand Weekly
Westpac · Jul 13, 2026
Westpac Commodity Forecasts
Westpac · Jul 13, 2026
Weekly Economic Commentary
Westpac · Jul 13, 2026
Morning Report
Westpac · Jul 13, 2026
Westpac Market Outlook
Westpac · Jul 10, 2026
Australia & New Zealand Weekly
Westpac · Jun 29, 2026
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