The NAB business survey for Australia showed a solid rebound in confidence but weaker conditions in January. The survey's business conditions index fell from plus 6 to plus 3, with respondents reporting stronger employment, but weaker trading conditions, a fall in profitability and bigger decline in forward orders. The survey also showed bigger increases in retail prices and labour costs but a smaller increase in purchase costs.

The survey's business confidence rose from minus 2 in December to plus 4 in January. Sentiment improved across most sectors, likely reflecting expectations that policy rates may be eased in coming months.

The National Australia Bank (NAB) Business Survey is based on a survey of around 500 firms across the non-farm business sector on their assessment of current business conditions and their sentiment about the outlook. The survey's business conditions index covers trading, profitability, employment, forward orders, stocks, and exports, with respondents also providing responses on changes in costs and selling prices. The survey is conducted in the second half of each month.

The survey of business conditions and confidence offers timely updates on how Australian companies are performing and reacting to unfolding events including news about the overall economy and policy developments. as well as moves in the stock market and changes in interest rates. Investors can use the data to help forecast economic activity and better understand how business conditions and expectations affect sales, employment, investment and other economic outcomes.