Woolworths reports slower growth in the second half of the year, attributing the weaker performance to softer consumer spending and increased operating pressures. The company says consumers in South Africa and Australia are reining in discretionary purchases as household budgets come under strain. Both outlets link the slowdown to broader cost and risk factors, including the Middle East conflict, which the company says weighs on sentiment and demand. Woolworths also points to higher fuel costs and interest rate hikes as contributors to reduced spending capacity. In addition, it flags that its operating costs rise during the same period, further affecting results. While the sources focus on different aspects—Moneyweb highlights the combination of lower discretionary demand, fuel costs and interest rate increases, while The Citizen emphasizes the Middle East conflict and higher operating costs—they converge on the overall explanation: consumers spend less, and the company faces cost pressures. The reporting indicates the retailer expects conditions to remain challenging as it works through the impact of external economic and geopolitical factors.