Australians are feeling increasingly optimistic as the Omicron peak passes and international borders are set to reopen. The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index increased by 3.3 percent during the second week of February, the highest weekly gain since early April 2021. “The passing of the Omicron peak along with the news that international borders will reopen to vaccinated tourists later this month no doubt helped lift sentiment despite rising petrol prices,” ANZ Head of Australia Economics David Plank said. While the index rose above the neutral level of 100, it was still well below the long run average, Plank added. The lift was seen across the nation, with Queensland leading the increase, followed by Western Australia and New South Wales. Inflation expectations increased 0.2 percent, returning to a high of 5 percent while the average national fuel price hit a new record high of 176.9 cents a litre. As tensions …