Australian Business Confidence Weakens as Employment Cools
National Australia Bank’s survey found weaker confidence and employment in Australia, while high costs and softer profits point to activity risks.
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what happened
According to Newsmetry API, citing National Australia Bank’s September survey, business confidence across Australia remains deeply subdued. The confidence measure was 18 points below its long-term average and 22 points below its level a year earlier.
NAB’s employment index fell to its lowest point in five years, while purchasing costs remained elevated. The combination of weak confidence, cost pressures, above-average capacity utilization and declining profitability is unusual.
NAB said the mix could point to a further slowdown in activity during the final quarter of 2026.
why it matters
The survey may shape market expectations for Australia’s economic momentum and the Australian dollar. Rising costs alongside weaker profitability could increase attention on upcoming activity and labor-market data.
instruments
sources
- Australian Business Confidence Wallows; Employment Cools — Market Talk — Newsmetry API, 13 October 2026 at 01:42 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
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