Seasonally adjusted Australian Retail Sales for the month of October rose 0.7% after economists called for a decline of -0.2%. The sharp change comes after September’s figure marked a clear revised slump of -1.0% in the nation’s consumption. A majority of the increase is due to other retailing purchases, a figure which may include larger big ticket items and energy. Consumption of food increased 0.6%, down from September’s 0.7%. Last month Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan stated that the government would not be required to use deficit spending as a tool to bolster the economy. The sudden increase in consumption may lend credence to Swan’s argument. With consumption offering a surprising self-boosting twist to the South Pacific economy, RBA Governor Ric Battellino may also be justified in saying that inflation may inhibit the central bank’s ability to further cut rates. AUDUSD traded through 0.6380 at 19:50 EST.