Australian Business Conditions Ease Slightly

A measure of Australian business conditions pulled back from four-year highs in August as sales and profits eased, while booming conditions in the construction sector contrasted with gloom among miners.

National Australia Bank’s survey of more than 400 firms showed its index of business conditions halved to +4 in August, so unwinding much of July’s 5 points gain.  The report’s index of business confidence also dipped 2 points to +8, though that remains robust by historical standards. Confidence was strongest in the construction industry which is enjoying a major revival in home building, while mining was the only sector to have a negative reading.

“Business confidence remains resilient despite easing a little in August, supported by positive forward orders, subdued cost pressures and more stable consumer confidence,” wrote economists at NAB.  “The jump in business conditions last month was surprising, so some payback in August was expected.”

Reuters

Content is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please access the RSS feed or contact us at info@marketpulse.com. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2023 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.