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AAP
AAP
Adrian Black

Consumers hang tough despite echoes of COVID headwinds

Consumer demand for credit cards has jumped in a show of resilience amid rising interest rates. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Australian consumers are showing resilience in the face of rising interest rates, fuel prices and other costs, according to credit agency data.

Despite the headwinds, strong momentum in consumer activity in the first quarter of 2026 had provided a buffer to the national economy, Equifax's Market Pulse report shows.

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