KEY POINTS:
Australian businesses have become more confident about the outlook for the current quarter, with smaller firms the most optimistic, a survey showed today.
The National Australia Bank's index of business confidence for the second quarter jumped to 10 points, from 4 points the previous quarter, significantly above historical averages.
Confidence was highest for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and was well above the level of bigger businesses.
Amongst bigger businesses, energy utilities and construction sectors were the most optimistic about the near term.
Across SMEs, residential construction, property services and financial services were the most optimistic about business conditions in the second quarter, said NAB.
NAB will release its full business conditions survey for the first-quarter on Tuesday.
- REUTERS
