Australia's economic growth stronger than expected
sourceBBC NEWS
publisherAlexa Zeng
time2016/06/06
- Australia's economy grew at a better-than-expected 1.1% in the first quarter of 2016, compared to the previous quarter, boosted by exports and a rise in household spending.
Forecasts were for quarterly growth of around 0.8%.
On an annual basis the economy expanded 3.1% in the three months to March.
Service-based industries also contributed to the first quarter growth, along with finance and retail trade industries.
The economy has been struggling for growth since the mining boom tapered off, mainly due to slowdown in demand from one of its largest trading partner, China.
The Australian dollar shot up by nearly half a US cent following the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, which took many by surprise.
Economists say the latest growth figures should reduce the need for further interest rate cuts.