【环球财经】零售业领涨信心回暖 澳大利亚10月商业信心指数大幅上升

Core Insights - The Australian National Bank's report indicates a gradual recovery in the Australian economy, although businesses remain cautious about future prospects [1][2] Group 1: Business Confidence and Conditions - The business confidence index rose by 3 points to 7, while the business conditions index remained unchanged at 8, marking the highest level since mid-2024 but only slightly above the long-term average [1][2] - The assessment of trade conditions improved by 3 points to 16, exceeding the historical average by 4 points, while profitability increased by 1 point to 6 [1][2] - Employment indicators fell by 2 points to 3, suggesting that businesses are not increasing hiring in response to changes in business conditions [1] Group 2: Future Outlook and Investment - The report highlights several reasons for businesses' cautious stance, including a decline in forward orders by 3 points in September, indicating that improvements in the trade environment may not be sustainable [2] - Businesses are reportedly holding relatively high inventory levels, with the inventory index rising by 4 points to 10, the highest level in recent times [2] - Capital expenditure indicators decreased by 2 points to 7, suggesting that a sustained improvement in the business environment is necessary to encourage significant investment increases [2] Group 3: Inflation and Cost Pressures - The survey results indicate a slight slowdown in labor cost growth, while input costs have risen, leading to a 0.8% increase in product prices over three months [2] - This price increase may push the annual inflation rate above the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range of 2-3% [2]