Australia NAB Business Confidence dropped to -2 in December, down from 0, hitting the lowest level since mid-2013. Business Conditions rose 1pt to 3. Trading condition dropped from 6 to 5. Profitability condition dropped from 3 to 1. Employment condition was unchanged at 4.
Alan Oster, NAB Group Chief Economist: “At present there appears to be a relatively large divergence between confidence and conditions, and we will continue to watch the survey to see how this resolves. Though, if confidence and forward orders remain weak, it is likely that the early part of 2020 could see further deterioration in the growth momentum (especially in private sector demand). We think that more policy stimulus will be needed to boost the economy over 2020”.
