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Q2 2026 GDP – Less Speed, Little Slack

Q2 GDP a beat on the street, up 0.4% qoq and 2.1% yoy sending both the Australian dollar and September rate hike bets higher. Looking ahead, NAB expects growth to remain below trend on a quarterly basis but the key dynamic is whether this slower growth will be enough to see enough spare capacity build in the economy to see some easing in price pressures.

Key points

  • Q2 GDP rose 0.4% qoq and 2.1% yoy.
  • Household consumption rose 0.4%, led by discretionary spending.
  • For the RBA, today’s data confirm that growth has slowed a little from H2 2025 but also suggests that growth has tracked around its trend rate over the past year.
  • NAB continues to the see the RBA lifting interest rates to 4.6% in September.

View the full report here 

 

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All prices and analysis at 2 September 2026. This information has been prepared by National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL 230686 ("NAB"). The content is distributed by WealthHub Securities Limited (WSL) (ABN 83 089 718 249)(AFSL No. 230704). WSL is a Market Participant under the ASIC Market Integrity Rules and a wholly owned subsidiary of National Australia Bank Limited (ABN 12 004 044 937)(AFSL No. 230686) (NAB). NAB doesn’t guarantee its subsidiaries’ obligations or performance, or the products or services its subsidiaries offer. This material is intended to provide general advice only. It has been prepared without having regard to or taking into account any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation and/or needs. All investors should therefore consider the appropriateness of the advice, in light of their own objectives, financial situation and/or needs, before acting on the advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any comments, suggestions or views presented do not reflect the views of WSL and/or NAB. Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither WSL nor NAB shall be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or general advice including any third party sourced data (including by reasons of negligence, negligent misstatement or otherwise) or for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) suffered by persons who use or rely on the general advice or information. If any law prohibits the exclusion of such liability, WSL and NAB limit its liability to the re-supply of the information, provided that such limitation is permitted by law and is fair and reasonable. For more information, please click here.


About the Author
NAB Group Economics

NAB’s Group Economics consists of a leading team of economists who provide accurate, timely and relevant updates on domestic, international and industrial economic trends.