Business Research & Insights

Growth holding up but subdued year ahead

Household financial stress eases after rising for the past 6 quarters as Australians grow more accustomed to a number of ongoing pressures, but financial concerns are still climbing among lower income earners.

It took a brave relocation to regional NSW to kick-start Fawaz Khodary’s pharmacy career. Today, it’s paid off handsomely as he and his three pharmacist siblings grow their Your Discount Pharmacy brand. 

Job switching & intentions, employee satisfaction, working from home & perceptions of collaboration & productivity.

HICAPS exciting next chapter: Integrations to Best Practice & Medical Director.

Cost pressures ease amid resilience in activity

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

Employment index rises as resilience continues

The latest NAB Health Insights Special Report (Part 3) provides an exploration into Australian consumer e-health usage and satisfaction levels. The report is now available for download. 

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

Conditions still above average despite warning signs.

Very slow growth likely across the states in 2023-24

Beyond GDP: Insights into wellbeing, and the role money and finances play in our lives

Conditions still above average despite warning signs

Henry Bateman built his first Cornerstone Health medical centre to make quality primary care accessible to everyone. Seven years and 13 centres later, the combination of bulk billing, extended hours and a range of on-site services has proved a winner for patients and practitioners alike.

Worrying signs of a slowing in activity

Our economists stayed up all night so they could break down the Federal Budget for Australian businesses. Watch their take.

It was a big Budget for health, with significant support for bulk billing GPs, a focus on prescription costs and salary increases to attract more aged care workers.

Conditions slowly normalising but still high for now.

Beyond GDP: Insights into wellbeing, and the role money and finances play in our lives.

It was always going to be a bold move: launching a privately owned emergency clinic. Dr Pankaj Arora shares why he launched WiSE clinics, how he funds them and what’s behind their 5- to 10-minute window to see a doctor.

Conditions hold up, price pressures ease

Population rebounding but growth slowdown looms

Confidence volatile but conditions still strong

Australians are more focused on preventative health than ever, presenting opportunities for businesses and practitioners. But there is still room for improvement and financial incentives may hold the key.

Do Australians have a preventative health mindset? Find out more in the latest NAB Health Insights Special Report (Part 2) available for download.

Beyond GDP: Insights into wellbeing, and the role money and finances play in our lives.

New-year confidence boost as resilience continues

Economy beginning to slow; inflation peak passed

While practising in the NSW outback, doctors Hamish Meldrum and Ross Lamplugh had a passion to improve rural and remote healthcare. Today, the result is Ochre Health - a national network of 65 medical centres and two medical recruitment businesses. And they're not done yet.

NAB senior leaders discuss the 2023 business outlook and where the opportunities will lie.

Confidence now negative, despite strong conditions.

Highlights from our latest NAB Health Insights webinar and the NAB Health Insights Special Report available for download.

Conditions still strong but confidence weaker

Beyond GDP: Insights into wellbeing, and the role money and finances play in our lives.

COVID disruptions continue to fade while growth remains strong and labour markets are tight everywhere

The smart plays that are seeing a cosmetic medicine operator deliver to 20,000 customers a year.

Conditions roar as costs show signs of easing

No signs of slow down yet as strong conditions roll on.

“I feel very fortunate to do what I always wanted to do.” President of The Australian & New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Dr Patrishia Bordbar tells us about her incredible journey from a young girl in Iran to her career today as a renowned surgeon.

A volatile night where earlier price action in Asia was largely reversed.

A broad rise in core global yields has been the big news overnight, fuelled by a better-than-expected US ISM report and news UK PM Truss is planning a huge debt-funded fiscal stimulus.

Eurozone bonds yields and stocks falling on the latest jump in energy prices – both oil and gas – following confirmation the NordSteeam1 gas pipeline will remain shut while Russian sanctions are in place.

A goldilocks payrolls report failed to support risk assets on Friday, with equities and the USD quickly reversing on news that Russia was not restarting gas flows through the Nord Stream pipeline

The bond sell-off shows no signs of abating with a stronger than expected US ISM Manufacturing helping to drive the US 10yr yield up.

August has been a terrible month for balance fund investors with no diversification gains from holding a portfolio of equities and bonds.

Goldman’s noted inflation could hit 22.4% y/y in the UK in early 2023 if gas prices don’t moderate and if there is little in the way of cost of living relief.

The “Great Resignation”, Working from Home & Returning to the Office

Confidence & conditions rally as economy strains capacity limits

Beyond GDP: Insights into wellbeing, and the role money and finances play in our lives.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review. By James Dunn.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review. By Alexandra Cain.

Business confidence falls further while conditions hold up.

Global Central Banks have been lifting interest rates to combat 40-year high inflation numbers. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? Watch now.

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review. By Ian Grayson.

Global Central Banks have been lifting interest rates to combat 40-year high inflation numbers. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? 

This article first appeared in the Australian Financial Review - Mark Eggleton

Confidence eases but conditions and outlook remain strong.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has started raising rates for the first time since November 2010. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? Watch now.

Australia’s wellbeing falls, but the gap by income now at its narrowest in almost 3 years. Wellbeing diverging across the country, highest in TAS & lowest in WA. Home ownership a significant differentiator. Household financial stress up slightly but falling for low income earners & rising sharply for those on higher incomes. The share of Australians experiencing some form of financial hardship now at a survey low.

Conditions rise further on Recreation & Personal Services recovery.

Conditions surge higher as costs, prices hit records.

The changing workplace - attitudes to jobs, working from home & barriers to returning to the office.

More space, more people, more practices – which growth strategy is right for you? Vet Judy Harbison and dentist Nicole Yuen share their different routes to success.

COVID disruptions have continued but State economies have been resilient and labour markets are strong.

Activity, employment strengthen as prices push higher.

This NAB Private Wealth webinar delivers insights into Cyber Security and Fraud.

Wellbeing rose in Q4 to levels last seen before the pandemic & household financial stress remains well below the survey average.

Despite everything the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown at the small business community the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in Australia.

Peter Loukas, Property Executive NAB presents his insights on the residential property survey.

Conditions deteriorate as Omicron peaks.

We look at the domestic and global interest rates outlook for 2022 and why interest rate risk management is an important consideration for many businesses.

Omicron dampens confidence, price pressures continue.

Australia's wellbeing levels fall sharply as lockdowns bite in several states. But financial stress has eased & fewer Australians are experiencing financial hardship.

Conditions stabilise as reopening progresses

NAB senior leaders discuss the economy and the opportunities for business in 2022.

Healthcare stands on the cusp of a technology-driven revolution. And Australia is already taking its first steps into this exciting new future.

Conditions and confidence rise out of lockdown.

Confidence rebounds on the back of roadmaps, vaccination.

Corporate care, also known as the integrated health model, radically altered the care model of General Practice. Twenty-five years later, how have multi-disciplinary practices proved their worth for patients and practitioners?

Confidence and conditions tick up.

From a standing start, Australia’s pharmacists have dispensed 6.5 million electronic prescriptions since May 2020. And that’s unleashed patient demand for even more health services.

Highlights from our latest healthcare industry event.

Discover the nation’s attitudes to health and healthcare in our comprehensive survey.

Read the latest findings on the nation’s attitudes to pharmacies and their role in healthcare.

Confidence and conditions fall further with ongoing lockdowns.

Wellbeing up & now at its highest level since 2019. Resilience is building, but wellbeing is falling for the unemployed & low income earners. NSW lockdown a key risk.

It’s not hard to see why integrated primary health care is gaining traction in Australia – co-located multidisciplinary teams can deliver big benefits.

Confidence falls on virus fears.

A new phase of growth emerges across the states following a fast rebound.

Better for patients, practitioners and taxpayers, value-based healthcare takes a more holistic approach to funding and treatment – and it’s gaining momentum.

Business conditions continue to boom.

It’s set to be one of the fastest-growing areas of innovation – and Australia has what it takes to be a world leader. Here’s how we could step on to the digital health global stage.

Business confidence and conditions hit new highs.

Working from home can significantly improve work life balance, however, can also bring on other health concerns, particularly for mental health and feelings of isolation.

Opening a medical practice – or two, or three – can be exciting… and nerve-racking. Longstanding NAB Medfin banker Jason Savage shares his views on how to set yourself up for success. 

Business conditions reach a record high.

This time last year, the nation’s hospitals braced for a potentially overwhelming crisis. We look back at their response to COVID-19 and which changes could be here to stay.

Business conditions bounce, confidence rises further.

Insights into financial anxiety & the role our household finances play in our wellbeing.

We all value our time, but some of us feel we are under more time pressure than others.

New NAB research reveals over 4 in 10 Australians felt they needed help for their mental health

Doctors depend on their patients to tell the truth, but research shows many don’t. Could discussing ailments with a chatbot be the answer?

Business confidence rises, while conditions pull back.

Business conditions improve to multi-year highs.

Recovery from COVID-19 continues across Australia

It was the biggest health crisis in a generation yet, during the worst of the 2020 pandemic, many primary care practices were quieter than ever. As recovery gets under way, we study COVID’s current and future impact on operating a healthcare business.

NAB senior leaders discuss the economy and the opportunities for business in 2021. Watch the video now.

Further gains as the economy continues to open up

Financial anxiety falls to its lowest level in 2 years. But concerns are much higher for Australians who have lost their income due to COVID-19.

How COVID altered health behaviours – and health businesses.

Wellbeing diverging markedly across the country.

NAB launches a new measure of business wellbeing.

A desire for social connection is fundamental to our wellbeing; being deprived of it can pose significant mental and physical consequences.

NAB's annual Consumer Health survey of over 1000 Australians provides a unique insight into Australia's health system through the eyes of those that rely upon it - patients.

NAB's research in collaboration with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia demonstrates how pharmacies have become more important to their community than ever before.

NAB’s latest in-depth report reveals how Australians and the health system are coping with COVID-19.

Insights into Australia's Pharmacy sector post COVID-19 through the eyes of pharmacists.

Does COVID-19 have the power to change thinking on how we tackle chronic disease?

Latest restrictions will hit Victoria’s economy hard, but COVID-19 has impacted all states.

Three months of lockdown did more for remote healthcare than 10 years of discussion.

Financial Anxiety falls to below survey average levels in Q2 2020.

Podcast: How the health care sector can lead through and beyond COVID-19.

Wellbeing up as restrictions ease, but inequality remains. Young men the loneliest in Australia.

Analysis of the impacts on of the COVID-19 crisis on health and allied practitioners.

Listen to podcast: As restrictions ease, how can small businesses rebuild their finances?

New podcast: Australian health sector’s extraordinary COVID-19 response.

No state or territory will be spared from COVID-19 economic fall-out.

Financial anxiety rises again in Q1 2020 and 4 in 10 Australians experience some form of financial stress or hardship.

Australian wellbeing levels have fallen to survey low levels as anxiety climbs in response to rapid daily life changes due to Coronavirus.

The story of a tiny surgical screw breaking into the US market is inspirational. Can other Australian healthcare entrepreneurs learn from its success?

Uncovering the business impact of the bushfires through the eyes of over 500 Australian SMEs.

Wellbeing declined in the final months of 2019, after rising throughout the first 3 quarters of last year.

What does next year hold for Australian business owners? Listen to our podcast for NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster’s 2020 vision on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Around the world, technology is transforming patient care. So why is Australia slow to follow suit?

Anxiety on the rise despite wellbeing hitting near record high.

What patients want – prepare to be surprised.

More Australians will be able to access affordable housing following a $2 billion commitment from NAB which will see more homes being built across the nation.

The Australian economy grew by 1.4% over the year to the June 2019, its weakest growth since 2009.

What do your patients think about vital issues like chronic illness prevention and mental health? This survey uncovers some surprising facts.

Corporate or consolidated practices. The two trends having the biggest impact on younger GPs.

Could the aged care sector’s problems be drawing to a close, paving the way for consolidation and more capital investment?

How digital tools can empower your patients to prevent and manage chronic disease.

Our sense of life worth improved and we ‘felt’ less worried about our finances in Q2.

She’s apples! How health food entrepreneur DR Vincent Candrawinata spends his day.

While our sense of life worth, life satisfaction and happiness have all improved, we're feeling more anxious.

CSIRO’s Future of Health report details what’s needed to keep Australia’s health system efficient, equitable and affordable. Here, we examine four key themes for healthcare business owners.

Deterioration in conditions in most states, with current momentum negative. Household sector weakness evident, investment still ok (outside mining), while agri. facing easing prices and needs rain. Housing sector downturn, population growth centred on the eastern states, agricultural prices easing.

New NAB data reveals key factors for the wellbeing of small business owners.

Avante Medical founder Scott Crawford outlines the high-tech issues of the moment – and the near future – for Australia’s $137 billion healthcare sector.

Business conditions continued to ease in Q4 and while they remain above average, forward looking indicators point to potential further weakness.

There’s growing awareness across industry, government and the community that we need to improve the way we design, build and operate the buildings in which we heal.

Digitisation, healthcare services and collaboration are transforming many pharmacies into community health hubs. We look at four key changes and opportunities to expect in the year ahead.

Healthcare providers want to operate efficiently while providing the best possible care for their patients. Here’s how digitisation – My Health Record specifically – can help with both.

New research shows anxiety is on the rise

Thanks to collaboration, groundbreaking hubs are connecting community, medicine, industry and academia – and creating opportunity.

Wherever you look, the future is about technology – the way we invest, care for our health and even how we grow our food. We take a look at where technology might take us in 2019.

There are good reasons to join forces with like-minded medical practitioners – but there are challenges to consider, too. NAB Health’s Tim Daha and Stephen Power take a look at the pros and cons of corporate medicine.

A strong first half and continuing near term momentum but slowing into the medium term.

Our wellbeing is up, but Australia lags behind the UK and we're still time poor with some of us willing to pay up to $131 for an extra hour in our day.

We discuss the future of health and why failure to innovate nowadays isn’t an option.

In a Victorian first, Sacred Heart Mission and the Victorian Government recently launched the state’s first Social Impact Investment, an innovative financing structure that supports positive social change.

Our expectation for the Australian economy is that GDP will increase by just under 3.0% in 2018 and 2019.

Cost increases remain the single biggest challenge facing businesses within the health industry, with NAB’s latest report card showing that revenue pressures and compliance and regulation are among the biggest challenges facing the industry.

A survey of more than 100 Australian health practitioners found an interesting mix of contentment and concern. It appears practitioners are torn between mounting challenges and exciting opportunities.

Passion, history, ambition. There can be many reasons business owners follow their dream. We asked five company heads to explain their ‘why’.

NAB is determined that our country’s small and medium sized enterprises, our country’s engine room, can embrace opportunities in the years ahead. For the health sector, we believe it’s a matter of ‘go forth and grow’.

Aged care is a sector that’s been under the microscope for years. But while it has faced real challenges, its future now looks bright.

Favourable business conditions persist.

From the beginning, Alex Tomic and Nik Mirkovic knew they wanted to think big, and to think global.

New research released today by NAB shows electricity and roads have the biggest impact on our daily lives - affecting almost 1 in 2 people (either positively or negatively).

An ‘e’ prefix tends to indicate a technological leap forward, and that’s certainly the case for ‘eHealth’. It’s helping patients manage their own health and changing their relationship with healthcare providers. So, where does that leave your bottom line? NAB’s Cameron Fuller examines the impact of technology and contemplates potentially profitable new business models.

The world’s first sustainability bond from a university is funding a better future for students and for vulnerable communities.

Home ownership is a key to wellbeing according to new research from NAB

Rising to the challenge of parenting four children with Type 1 diabetes prompted Elissa Renouf to found Diabete-ezy, a rapidly expanding business whose products help other sufferers manage the condition. We spend a day with her in export and expansion mode.

Nationally dwelling values continued their downwards trend last month; the seventh consecutive month on month decline since the national index series peaked in September last year.

A big order could completely transform your business but there’s a limit to how much anyone (or any small business) can handle. BDO partner Dr Mark Pizzacalla and Total Image Group CEO Pamela Jabbour discuss preparation, parameters and being strong enough to say ‘no’.

Biometric authentication is being rolled out across various industries – and the possibilities feel endless.

Keen to export to Asia? Make sure you understand what’s involved and how best to prepare.

Daylight, a sense of space, a natural outlook… architecture professor Julie Willis on how Australia is taking up the ethos of beautiful hospital design.

Setting goals can drive business success – but it doesn’t come naturally to many small business owners. Consultant and author Stephen Barnes shares tips on how to get started, how to set effective goals and how to motivate your staff to reach their targets.

Business conditions strong and businesses have their say on tax.

Two Australians – a doctor and an engineer – launched the ‘private healthcare in tough conditions’ industry and grew a business that now fights Ebola and runs warzone hospitals.

Australian dwelling values held firm in March, with the combined capitals continuing a softening trend, recording a 0.2% fall, while regional markets saw a 0.4% rise in values over the month.

More Aussies are opening their wallets to charity, says NAB report.

The trends reshaping health and the future implications for the Australian marketplace.

The trends reshaping health and the future implications for the Australian marketplace.

Online dermatology consults for rural Australians… how a ground-breaking new Teledermatologist platform is delivering specialist care to rural and remote patients.

The trends reshaping health and the future implications for the Australian marketplace.

The business conditions index moved 3pts higher to +21 index points. This is a record high since the monthly survey commenced in March 1997, although the same measure in NAB’s quarterly survey reached this level in 1994.

Nationally, dwelling values recorded their fifth consecutive monthly decline in February, taking the value of housing 0.8% lower since the market peaked in September last year.

Watching women’s disappointment when she prescribed therapeutic shoes for their problematic ankles and feet inspired Brisbane podiatrist Caroline McCulloch to create a range of footwear that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.

Seeing the benefits her care provides for patients has been the driving force behind 30 years in private practice for North Parramatta Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries principal, Mary Knapman.

New research challenges old adage – can money buy happiness?

The award-winning Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation has created jobs in some of Australia’s most isolated communities. CEO Alastair King explains how ALPA is creating the jobs that are key to building successful communities in remote locations.

Chatbots are ready to answer questions 24 hours a day – a big plus when you’re talking health or finances. Dana Bradford, senior research scientist at CSIRO, and NAB’s head of innovation Jonathan Davey discuss how conversations with machines could make life easier.

Rising demand, shrinking resources, vulnerable clients – we can’t keep ignoring the challenging business of healthcare for the elderly.

CoreLogic reported further slippage in dwelling values over the first month of 2018, with national dwelling values recording their second consecutive month on month decline. After dwelling values held firm in October and November, they slipped by a third of a percent in both December and January to be down 0.7% from their peak.

Elevated business conditions & confidence point to a robust business sector in Australia at present.

The quarterly NAB Business Survey gives a more in-depth probe into the conditions facing Australian business than the monthly survey, and also provides extra information about how firms perceive the outlook for their respective industries.

As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, state and federal government budgets are facing a growing challenge of balancing the competing needs of health-care expenditure with other areas of spending such as schools and roads.

Confidence lifted to narrow the divide with business conditions, indicating a strong business sector in Australia at present.

The race is on to cut costs and save lives. As a nation, we have an impressive history of healthcare innovation – but what of the future? And what’s our place in the race to find new, cost-effective ways to diagnose, treat and prevent illness?

Could you get more value from your financial services provider? If you only ever talk tax, you could be missing out. Stannards’ Marino Angelini explains changes in the health practice and accountant relationship and why wealth building, cost cutting and asset protection should all be part of the service.

What will the new year bring in the world of business trends? Whether it’s health or agriculture, hyper local advertising or self-trained artificial intelligence, NAB has one eye on the (crystal) ball.

Nationally, dwelling values were unchanged in November 2017 according to the CoreLogic home value index.

Aussies’ wellbeing at its highest since 2013, but high anxiety still impacting one in four

Last month’s surprise spike in business conditions was more than unwound in November, although that was partly expected.

As Australia moves beyond the mining boom, we need to secure new sources of growth to ensure our future prosperity.

CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index held steady in October, confirming a cooling trend in housing market conditions.

Vincent Garvey had no experience of dialysis – but his prize-winning invention is on track to save millions of lives.

What does it take to run a successful rural pharmacy? Two business owners – including the winner of this year’s Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy of the Year Award – discuss the challenges and rewards of working in a small town.

The NAB Quarterly Business Survey showed a continuation of the very upbeat conditions for firms into the September quarter.

Economic growth in most states is expected to strengthen somewhat in 2017-18 before moderating a little in 2018-19 as dwelling investment and LNG exports peak.

The latest housing market results showed dwelling values held firm nationally.

Student mental health on the agenda for schools.

NAB’s Mark Todd and a panel considered the future of fintech and the implications for investment at the KangaNews-NAB Fixed Income Beyond the Institutional Sector Summit.

Get the latest monthly update on housing market conditions around Australia.

Using cross-sector partnerships to connect and capture data that underpins system-wide problem solving can create better societal outcomes.

The second report in the Catalyst Insights Series, was developed following a roundtable focused on enabling the public and the private sector to work together to create better societal outcomes.

Australian housing market sentiment (measured by NAB’s Residential Property Index) fell noticeably in the June quarter after climbing to a 3-year high in March.

Business conditions hit another multi-year high, with most industries performing well. Stronger trading conditions (sales) and profitability drove the improvement, while employment conditions were steady.

Get the latest monthly update on housing market conditions around Australia.

Australians reported a further improvement in the quality of their lives in the March quarter.

A bounce back in the healthcare sector in early 2017 has experts confident the sector is only primed for further growth. KOSEC founder Michael Kodari reports.

Get the latest monthly update on housing market conditions around Australia.

Get the latest monthly update on housing market conditions around Australia.

Corporate social responsibility sounds like an excellent idea but in practice it often goes straight into the too-hard basket. Here’s how taking your staff away from the daily grind can save your business in all the ways that matter.

Research by NAB shows Australians don’t think about infrastructure projects as just concrete, bricks and mortar, but rather as the services or conveniences that are derived from them. The role of the customer, and their satisfaction, has been a weakness in the infrastructure governance settings for some time.

Australians remain highly anxious. While having more money might solve some of our concerns, it would do little to solve some of the biggest detractors of wellbeing. But, it could help close the “wellbeing gap” between high and low income earners.

Leanne Faulkner was riding a wave of success building a fast-growing start-up until the business slowed and the stress took its toll on her health. Now she’s helping others learn how to cope with the pressure.

While the health and aged care business stream attracted 130 Australian delegates and almost as many Chinese attendees at the first day of talks in Beijing, a planned mining stream was scrapped due to low interest.

Australian businesses in the healthcare sector are well positioned to capitalise on significant changes in the Chinese healthcare system as major demographic shifts unfold in the world’s second largest economy.

China’s rapid economic development and urbanisation have had a major impact on the health of city-dwellers. Changes in diet and lifestyle have triggered an increase in the incidence of chronic ‘western’ illnesses such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. And, while greater wealth, improved living conditions and access to better medical care are extending lives, an ageing population brings its own set of challenges.