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Australia’s small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business conditions fell 2pts in Q2 2018 to +11, while SME business confidence edged 1pt lower to +6pts, notes the research team at NAB.

Key Quotes

“Even after the easing in the quarter, both SME confidence and conditions remain above their historical averages.”

“According to Alan Oster, NAB Group Chief Economist: “Despite easing a little in Q2, SME business conditions remained at a high level in Q2, while SME business confidence also remains above average after declining in the last few quarters.”

“The outlook for the retail sector suggests little improvement, with the industry again recording the equal weakest confidence across all industries and one of only two to record negative conditions,” said Mr Oster.

“Demand continues to be the most significant constraint on SME output, followed by difficulty in finding suitable labour.”