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

Inflation explained: what the latest numbers mean for interest rates

Economy and Markets

Australia’s latest inflation figures have reinforced concerns that price pressures remain too high ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) interest rate decision on Tuesday.

29 October 2026 | 2 min read

NAB Australian Forward View October — Wait, see… or hike?

Economy and Markets

NAB sees the RBA on hold, but the risk in the near-term is for a further increase.

23 October 2026 | 1 min

NAB Global Forward View October — Resilience to be tested

Economy and Markets

Q3 growth held up while business surveys point to positive momentum as headwinds intensify.

21 October 2026 | 1 min

Commercial property outlook softens as retail loses ground - NAB Commercial Property Survey Q3 2026

Economy and Markets

Australian commercial property sentiment softened for a second consecutive quarter, with weaker retail conditions weighing on the market, according to the latest NAB Commercial Property Survey.

19 October 2026 | 2 min read

Contact us

Media Enquiries

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