SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Business mood muted amid strong conditions

Business confidence remains stubbornly subdued despite better trading conditions which suggest the non-mining recovery continues to gain traction.

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Business conditions continue to outpace confidence, which remains stubbornly muted despite improving prospects for the non-mining sector.

Conditions have held at above average levels for the past nine months, according to the National Australia Bank monthly business survey on Tuesday.

NAB's index of business conditions - based on measures of profitability, employment and trading - remained at 10 points for the fourth consecutive month in November.

NAB chief economist Alan Oster says industries sensitive to the falling Australian dollar and record-low interest rates have outperformed, while an improving retail sector is also encouraging.

"In conjunction with signs of improvement in the labour market, (it) means we can put more faith in the building non-mining sector recovery," he said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"In fact, the survey is showing a widening gap between deteriorating mining and the rest of the economy."

But confidence remains lacklustre, despite recouping some of the losses from last month.

The index climbed two points in November to five points, but is still marginally below its long-run average.

This is likely a reflection of the uncertain global economic environment, Mr Oster said.

NAB still expects no rate moves from the Reserve Bank in coming months, with the report suggesting no drastic deterioration in the economic outlook or reassessments of growth in the non-mining sector.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world