Less of a spike, more of a grind: Australian Forward View July 2026 - NAB

24 July 2026

Economy and Markets

Key points

  • We continue to forecast below trend growth this year and next and a gradual rise in the unemployment rate.
  • The squeeze on households from high fuel prices was less acute in Q2 than earlier feared, which may mean near-term spending is a bit more resilient.
  • But slower real income growth and the headwind from the housing market mean we continue to expect consumption growth of just 1.4% yoy over 2026 and 2027.
  • Fuel prices fell steadily through Q2 but have reversed higher in recent weeks.

The Middle East conflict still points to elevated uncertainty, higher inflation, and slower growth, but now looks less like an acute spike and more like a rolling grind.

Read the full Australian Forward View Report - July 2026.

Related Articles

NAB Housing Monitor August 2026

Economy and Markets

Dwelling prices continue to fall, and price declines have broadened to the mid-sized capitals.

04 August 2026 | 2 min read

Podcast: Inflation data may ease pressure on RBA

Podcasts

Australia’s latest inflation figures came in below expectations, easing pressure on the Reserve Bank ahead of its next rates decision. NAB Chief Economist Sally Auld discusses what the data means for interest rates and the inflation outlook.

30 July 2026 | 4 min listen

Five economic signals shaping Australia’s business outlook

Business Banking

Drawing on insights from customer conversations, NAB's Business Survey and spending data, NAB Chief Economist Dr Sally Auld says the economy is slowing, but not as sharply as many feared earlier in the year.

29 July 2026 | 3 min read

Less of a spike, more of a grind: Australian Forward View July 2026

Economy and Markets

NAB continues to forecast below trend growth this year and next and a gradual rise in the unemployment rate.

24 July 2026 | 2 min read

Contact us

Media Enquiries

For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on +61 3 7035 5015