November was a blockbuster month for experiences that had Australians reaching for their wallets, according to the latest CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) report.
Concerts by AC/DC, Oasis and Metallica at Sydney's Accor Stadium, together with the release of the movie Wicked: For Good contributed to recreation being the clear standout spending category over the month.
CBA Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said: “Households prioritised experiences in November, and the month’s busy calendar of sport and entertainment provided a strong boost to spending."
The HSI showed household spending rose 0.5 per cent in November in seasonally adjusted terms, as nine of 12 categories recorded gains. Recreation was the clear standout among them, up 1.6 per cent.
Black Friday sales still contributed to spending growth in November, with electronic stores, clothing stores and furniture stores all recording significant spending lifts in November.
This category trailed recreation however, marking a shift from previous years when discount events dominated November.
CommBank said Australians appeared to spread their spending more evenly across categories and months this year, rather than concentrating purchases around major sales periods.
“Patterns of consumer spending have evolved over recent years as sales events have shifted to as early as October, and we’re seeing less lumpiness in spending as a result,” Allen said.
Commbank said the resilience in household spending suggested the economy is entering 2026 with solid momentum.
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