Our Business Sales Indicator (BSI) reflects spending trends around
Australia. It tracks the value of credit and debit card transactions processed
at businesses with Commonwealth Bank merchant facilities. The result is useful
data on how Australians are spending their money.
The Commonwealth Bank handles around 30% of all Australian merchant credit and
debit transactions (more than any other bank) so the new BSI will provide a
reliable and timely reading of spending trends in the economy.
The monthly BSI has been devised to provide a more timely assessment of
spending trends in the economy. The main monthly indicator of spending in the
economy is the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Retail Trade release.
However these statistics cover just spending at retail establishments, and
exclude spending at a raft of other businesses.
The BSI includes transactions made at traditional retail establishments such as
supermarkets, clothing stores and cafes and restaurants which is more
comparable to the ABS Household Final Consumption Expenditure released on a
quarterly basis. The BSI also covers businesses such as airlines, car dealers
and utilities such as water and electricity companies as well as motels,
business, professional and government services and wholesalers.
November 2011 report
Recovery strengthens although caution remains, according to the latest
Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator (BSI).
Commonwealth Bank
Business Sales Indicator
Archived reports:
2011
2010
2009
