Increased confidence, a strong housing sector and low interest rates have got Australian consumers in buying mode.

It is clear that the level of interest rates are at a sweet spot, neither serving to boost economic activity nor acting as a brake on growth.

We would have preferred to see more on interest rates. This 'confidence' crisis has been caused by a sense that policy has been frozen by indecision.

Our business is more impacted by consumer confidence than even a little spike in the interest rates or even a little spike in the energy prices. As long as the consumer confidence remains positive, which it is, you are going to see continued consumer spending.

We're still in sluggish trade. Confidence is not good in Hong Kong; investors are still worried about interest rates and the market is not optimistic about the results announcements.

Energy price volatility is taking its toll on consumer confidence, as is the prospect of higher [interest] rates in the months ahead.