Economy-wide spending bounced in August and is expected to rise further now that the federal election is out of the way.

Sales increased by 3.0 per cent last month, seasonally adjusted, after dropping by 1.9 per cent in July, according to the Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator.

But in trend terms, spending rose by 0.3 per cent, its slowest growth rate in 11 months.

CBA describes the seasonally-adjusted measure as being more volatile.

CommSec chief economist Craig James said the index, which tracks spending by business and government as well as consumers, should be viewed in the context of the positive signs being seen in the economy.

“Although the latest figures show consumers are still wary about opening their wallets, the broader economic climate gives few reasons for people to be glum,” James said.

“Consumer confidence is up post-election, while both interest rates and unemployment remain at historically-low levels.

“We expect to see a pick-up in spending over the medium term now that the federal election is behind us.”

According to the figures, the amusement and entertainment sector had the strongest sales, up 6.5 per cent in trend terms.

The biggest falls were seen in utilities, but the weather could be to blame for that, said CBA local business banking general manager Adam Bennett.

“Some of those industries that have experienced a decline in sales, such as utilities, have been impacted by anomalies such as the unusually warm winter, rather than any long-term trends,” he said.