Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment fell by 8.3% in December…….
Risk aversion increased markedly in this survey. When asked about “the wisest place for savings” 26.6% of respondents nominated “pay down debt”. That was an increase from 18.7% in September. Since we started measuring that component in 1997 there has only been one higher measure, in March 2010. Only 6.6% of respondents nominated equities – the lowest percentage since 1993; while the 14% nominating real estate was, apart from 2008, the lowest since the survey began in 1974.
Comment: ~ Equities at their lowest level since 1993 is a great contrarian indicator. There is still risk of further downside, so too early to invest at present, but this will be a good number to watch in 2012.