Wine sales and interest rates

Wine sales in Australia have suffered their biggest slump in 21 years -- another sign consumers are pulling back.

The industry is continuing to battle cheaper imports, which incidentally are making up a greater percentage of the market.

These numbers are just another example of the extent to which consumers are pulling back.

However, while it won't influence the Reserve Bank board when it meets in a fortnight to discuss interest rates, Thursday's private capital expenditure numbers will.