Australia: Business conditions hit another multi-year high, confidence improves - NAB

Australia’s June NAB Monthly Business Survey was again positive for the business sector as business conditions hit another multi-year high, with most industries performing well, points out the research team at NAB.

Key Quotes

“Stronger trading conditions (sales) and profitability drove the improvement, while employment conditions were steady. Business confidence saw a more modest lift, but is still well above the long-run average for the series. These upbeat outcomes are in stark contrast to some of the trends evident in the household sector, but recent reads from the retail industry and labour market could see the disparity resolve itself favourably.”

“We expect economic growth to accelerate in H2 2017, following weather related disruptions in H1 this year, but the longer-term outlook could easily underperform the RBA’s upbeat expectations as important growth drivers (LNG exports, commodity prices and housing construction) begin to fade. Given the risks to the outlook, signs of moderation in the housing market, and a reluctance to see the AUD strengthen further, the RBA should be content with keeping interest rates on hold for an extended period (mid 2019).  That said, the recent flow of economic data has been more encouraging and, if maintained, could soon signal a shift in the balance of risk.”