A weaker Australian dollar and record low interest rates have corporate leaders looking to invest and grow their business.
One in three chief financial officers at major, publicly listed companies were more optimistic at the end of March than at the end of 2014.
A seven per cent drop in the Australian dollar since the start of 2015, to 76 US cents, and a February interest rate cut have made them more inclined to take a risk, a survey of 52 CFOs by financial group Deloitte found.
More than half of the CFOs surveyed believe now is a good time to be bold.
"Based on our survey responses, the dollar and interest rates are now so low that CFOs are more actively pursuing growth," Deloitte assurance and advisory partner Stephen Gustafson said.
"It hasn't reached the levels of a year ago, but it's a very significant improvement on what was a subdued mood for much of 2014."
Three quarters of respondents cited the weaker Australian dollar as a positive influence, and 57 per cited low interest rates, which are widely expected to fall further.
But uncertainty about the federal government leadership and policies, plus a Chinese economic slowdown, are continuing to weigh on optimism.
"Policy uncertainty, budget repair, leadership instability, and hesitation regarding the reform agenda continue to have an impact on business confidence," Mr Gustafson said.
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