Economic performance.

The article presents a review of Australia's economic performance as of January 2009. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth amounted to just 0.1% quarter on quarter in the third quarter of 2008, pulling the country's year-on-year growth down to 1.9%. Consumer confidence fell with reduced household wealth and concern over job security. Spending on dwellings rose by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2008, but home-building approvals fell by 8.3% in the third quarter and by 5.4% in October 2008.