Inflation data: Australia business conditions hit six-year low as forward orders slide: NAB
Elevated input costs and underlying inflation comfortably above target still argue against any early pivot to easing. Australian business conditions dropped to their weakest level in six years in October as forward orders dropped strongly, a National Australia Bank survey indicated on Tuesday.
In this article
On the inflation data front, Elevated input costs and underlying inflation comfortably above target still argue against any early pivot to easing, according to investingLive. Australian business conditions dropped to their weakest level in six years in October as forward orders dropped strongly, a National Australia Bank survey indicated on Tuesday.
Key points
- The survey's business conditions index eased 1 point to -2, the lowest reading since August 2020.
- Business confidence also slipped 1 point, to -15, far below its long-run average of +5.
- With forward orders dropping and confidence deeply negative, the case for further hikes looks softer.
- Construction, which had held up well this year, also revealed signs of softening.
Inside the Inflation data story
The survey's business conditions index eased 1 point to -2, the lowest reading since August 2020. Business confidence also slipped 1 point, to -15, far below its long-run average of +5. Construction, which had held up well this year, also revealed signs of softening.
With forward orders dropping and confidence deeply negative, the case for further hikes looks softer, though elevated costs and above-target inflation make an early shift toward easing unlikely.
Why traders are watching inflation data
Inflation figures decide how long central banks keep interest rates high. Hotter-than-expected readings usually lift bond yields and the local currency, while softer data raise hopes of rate cuts.
Price data feed straight into central-bank decisions, which makes them some of the most market-moving releases on the calendar for forex, bonds and stocks.
Market reaction and data
On the currency side, the latest ECB daily reference rates (2026-11-09) show EUR/USD 1.1193, GBP/USD 1.3416, AUD/USD 0.6894, NZD/USD 0.5613, USD/JPY 157.95, USD/CHF 0.8187, USD/CAD 1.4103, USD/CNY 6.6728. These are reference fixes, not live quotes.
What to watch next for inflation data
Next in focus are the coming inflation releases, central-bank reaction to them and changes in market pricing for future rate moves.
Key scheduled releases on the economic calendar:
- USD Core CPI m/m on Tue Nov 10, 13:30 UTC, forecast 0.2%, previous 0.3%
- USD CPI m/m on Tue Nov 10, 13:30 UTC, forecast 0.3%, previous 0.6%
- GBP GDP m/m on Thu Nov 12, 07:00 UTC, forecast 0.0%, previous 0.1%
- USD Core PPI m/m on Fri Nov 13, 13:30 UTC, forecast 0.3%, previous 0.7%
- USD PPI m/m on Fri Nov 13, 13:30 UTC, forecast 0.4%, previous 1.3%
Follow every update in our Top 10 Forex News Today, read UK retail sales rise 1.5%, best since June, but fuel costs and Budget caution weigh or see all of today's top market news.
FAQ
What is the latest inflation data news?
Elevated input costs and underlying inflation comfortably above target still argue against any early pivot to easing.
Why do inflation numbers move markets?
Inflation data change expectations for central-bank interest rates, and rate expectations drive currencies, bond yields and stock valuations.
Where does this information come from?
This report is based on coverage from investingLive, checked against market data where available. It is a summary for information only and not investment advice.
Risk warning: This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Trading forex, CFDs, stocks and crypto carries a high risk of losing money. Prices move fast – check live quotes before you trade.
