Commonwealth Bank's Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index experienced a 0.7 per cent dip in September, settling at 146.7. This decline occurred despite increased recreational spending around the AFL and NRL Grand Finals, which failed to significantly boost the overall index.

Out of the twelve spending categories tracked by the HSI, six saw a decline in September. Hospitality led the downturn with a 2.8 per cent drop, followed by Transport at 2.5 per cent, Household Goods at 2.3 per cent, and Food & Beverage at 0.6 per cent.

Recreational spending, however, rose by 1.5 per cent in September, largely driven by an 18 per cent surge in Ticketing Services due to the AFL and NRL grand finals. Other categories that saw an increase include Education and Insurance, each up by 0.7 per cent.

Interestingly, Utilities spending unexpectedly rose by 1.3 per cent, reflecting the impact of rising local council and strata management fees, even as electricity costs declined due to government rebates.