Australia’s NAB Business Confidence Index rose to -24 in April 2026 from -29 in the previous month, which had marked the second-largest monthly drop on record. The survey flagged mounting strain from surging energy costs tied to the Middle East conflict, squeezing margins and curbing investment. Meanwhile, business conditions slid to 3 from 6, the second-lowest since 2020 and the fourth straight decline. NAB economist Michael Hayes warned rising costs were eroding activity, with forward orders, capex, cash flow, and employment all well below norms. Capital expenditure plunged 8 points, its sharpest drop since the post-pandemic rebound. Cost pressures intensified: purchase costs rose 4.5% qoq, far outpacing selling price growth of 1.8%, while retail prices jumped to 3.2% from 0.6%. The weak survey comes as the central bank lifted rates for a third consecutive meeting to 4.35%, amid concern firms may pass higher energy costs to consumers, stoking inflation expectations.

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