SYDNEY (Reuters) - A measure of Australian consumer sentiment slipped from four-year highs in February as wild swings in global financial markets seemed to spook some.
A Melbourne Institute and Westpac Bank <WBC.AX> survey of 1,200 people published on Wednesday said its index of consumer sentiment dipped 2.3 percent in February from January, when it rose 1.8 percent.
The index was still up 3.1 percent on February last year at 102.7, meaning optimists outnumbered pessimists.
Westpac's chief economist, Bill Evans, noted the survey was conducted in a week where global share markets fell sharply.
"Extensive media coverage of these developments would have unnerved respondents on two fronts – the impact on their own financial position and concerns for general global stability," he said.
As a result, the survey's barometer of economic conditions over the next 12 months fell 4.5 percent, while the outlook for the next five years dropped 3.1 percent.
The measure of family finances compared to a year ago slipped 4.7 percent, while the outlook for the next 12 months eased 0.7 percent.
The index of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item still managed to edge up 0.9 percent.
Consumers were also feeling more secure in their jobs, with that measure at its best level in more than six years.
(Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Paul Tait)
