Live events steal November spend as experiences eclipse Black Friday

Big-ticket sport and music events helped push Australian household spending higher in November, with entertainment overtaking Black Friday as the month’s biggest driver of discretionary spend.

New data from CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) shows household spending rose 0.5% in November, lifting annual growth to 5.5% and reinforcing the resilience of consumer demand heading into 2026.

Recreation was the standout category, surging 1.6% over the month as Australians prioritised live sport, concerts and cinema over discount-driven retail purchases.

The Ashes series in Perth, alongside national concert tours by AC/DC, Oasis and Metallica, helped fuel the jump, while the release of Wicked: For Good also supported cinema spending.

“Households prioritised experiences in November, and the month’s busy calendar of sport and entertainment provided a strong boost to spending,” said Belinda Allen, head of Australian economics at Commonwealth Bank.

By comparison, Black Friday sales delivered more modest gains. Spending lifted at electronic, clothing and furniture stores during the month, but retail activity trailed recreation, a shift from previous years when discount events dominated November spending.

“Patterns of consumer spending have evolved over recent years as sales events have shifted as early as October,” Allen said. “We’re seeing less lumpiness in spending as a result.”

Beyond recreation, insurance and motor vehicles both rose 0.9% in November, while hospitality and household goods increased 0.7%. Utilities recorded a 2.1% fall as the impact of energy rebate payments flowed through, while food and beverage goods slipped 0.2%. Transport spending was flat.

CommBank said the consistency of spending growth has been a defining feature of 2025, supported by improved household incomes and wealth, and could have implications for monetary policy.

“The risk of potential rate hikes in 2026 gained traction over the past month and is now elevated following the hawkish December RBA meeting,” Allen said. “Robust spending will be part of that conversation. For now, households appear well positioned, with incomes and savings supporting confidence.”