Macro outlook positive for Aussie consumer firms, Jarden says; flags competition

Analysts at Jarden say 1H results from Australian consumer firms were in line and that brokerage is optimistic for the sector

Says sector is seeing stronger spending and investor appetite

Brokerage flags that 55% of retailers reported growth in January and February trade data, which was a good result in the context of moderating retail spending trends

Jarden notes intensifying competitions in the sector, says Amazon AMZN.O presents competition for Catch and Kogan.com KGN.AX

We think the macro backdrop is the most positive it has been in recent years: rates are easing, income growth is lifting, house prices are rising and the inflation outlook is stabilising — Jarden

Major retailers like Woolworths WOW.AX, Accent Group AX1.AX and Wesfarmers WES.AX cited growing pressures pertaining to market competition