** 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

(Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru)

((Rishav.Chatterjee@thomsonreuters.com))