Tuesday, 8 October 2024

Costs pressures ease a bit further (NAB Survey)

Inflation pressures are easing

National Australia Bank released the latest NAB Survey, which showed a bit of a (modest) bounce in business confidence and business conditions. 

Cost pressures are still easing, though, which is good to see.

Westpac Economics commented:

"On the costs front, the survey continues to report an easing in input cost pressures. The labour costs index is currently tracking a quarterly equivalent pace of 1.7% (down from 1.8% in August) while the purchase costs index is running at 1.2% (down from 1.6% in August) The pass-through of these costs to consumer prices remain limited, with final product prices tracking a pace of just 0.5% (down from 0.7% in August)".


Forward orders remain very weak, with the index stuck at -5 points.