A man walks past a view of the city skyline in Sydney, Australia, October 28, 2026. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Australia consumer sentiment fell 2.7% to 78.2 in November, hitting a four-year low as rising borrowing costs squeezed households. The decline marks the third consecutive monthly drop, leaving the index down 25% from a year earlier. Investors face mounting risks as rate hikes weigh heavily on discretionary spending and overall economic confidence.