There's a suggestion consumer spending is recovering, but essential costs are leaving less for the fun stuff.

Kiwibank research reveals more than 71% of card transactions in August was on credit cards – the highest share since records began in 2002.

A decade ago, credit cards made up less than half of card spending.

Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge power bills and rates are eating into disposable income.

He says there's a structural shift underway, with more money going towards essential costs and less into the retail sector.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's a suggestion consumer spending is recovering, but essential costs are leaving less for the fun stuff.
Kiwibank research reveals more than 71% of card transactions in August was on credit cards&nbsp;– the highest share since records began in 2002.
A decade ago, credit cards made up less than half of card spending.
Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Ryan Bridge power bills and rates are eating into disposable income.
He says there's a structural shift underway, with more money going towards essential costs and less into the retail sector.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Cameron Bagrie: Independent economist on Kiwis relying more on credit cards

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/edcef370-edae-423d-84c6-b4cc0132af9e/transcript