Australia Business Confidence Rebounds to -5 as Inflation Eases

Australia's NAB business survey for June 2026 showed confidence rising sharply to -5 from -14, while conditions held steady at +3. The improvement reflects reduced pessimism among firms as Middle East conflict risks and energy disruptions subsided. Inflation metrics cooled further with purchase costs slowing to 2.0% and product prices easing to 0.6%, and retail prices posted their first decline in seven years. Labor costs rose to 2.0% after the minimum wage hike. The data signals a slowing but non-contracting economy that may support a cautious RBA policy stance.