Swifties boost spending but overall consumer pulse weak

Australians spent big during Taylor Swift's tour but not enough to offset tight spending elsewhere. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

The Australian economy got a leg up from Taylor Swift concerts but the much-anticipated visit was not enough to counter penny pinching elsewhere.

Spending as tracked by Commonwealth Bank has been generally subdued and fell 0.3 per cent over the month of February, but households are still managing to find the cash for big ticket recreational experiences.