Index reference period January 2019 = 100.0
Indicator estimates are produced in current price original and current price calendar adjusted terms. Calendar adjusted estimates account for trading day impacts and length of month. As the indicator time series lengthens, seasonally adjusted estimates will become available. Until such time, it is advised to focus on the through the year movements. Through the year movements measure change in the current month compared to the same month in the previous year.
Significant events such as COVID-19 can lead to very strong through the year rises. Care should be given when comparing periods with these events.
Temporary suspension of Alcoholic beverages and tobacco series
In this release, data for the Alcoholic beverages and tobacco category has not been published for the most recent three months, and the most recent quarter. This category is subject to significant revisions after the spending indicator is benchmarked to Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE), especially in the March quarter, due to differing seasonal patterns in the two series. The March quarter data for this category will be available in the May 2023 Monthly Household Spending Indicator release, after the March quarter National Accounts release. The ABS is continuing to assess and refine the methodologies for the spending indicator.