Business Research & Insights

A new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

远期合约能够帮助企业控制成本且锁定企业的预算外汇汇率，本文通过例举三个被普遍使用的远期合约策略来阐述进口商们是如何通过这些策略来管理企业的外汇风险

A new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

A podcast that explores how Australian importers managed their foreign exchange strategies during and post the global pandemic.

Treasury representatives from Associated British Ports, Peel Ports, NSW Ports and the Port of Tauranga recently met to explore and share their insights on the opportunities and challenges facing port owners and operators.

With expansion on the horizon, FRANKiE4’s Financial Controller, Jonathan Cole, is focused on the right markets and the right financial facilities to make the leap into Europe and the US.

AUD/USD is now expected to be largely contained within a 0.70-0.75 trading range.

Japan is arguably Australia’s most important Asian ally, and its large market of wealthy consumers is a natural target for Australian businesses selling high-quality goods and services. Here are some tips to help you establish successful business relationships.

A shopfront to the world: how Amazon’s arrival could spell opportunity for Australian retailers.

The autumn break this year was rather mixed, with some areas receiving good rain and others missing out.

Digital transformation on a shoestring opens options for residents, frees up staff and provides big benefits for Brimbank City Council, an organisation focused on delivering for its community.

Trends stable across the board, no sign of a major economic slowdown.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey posted another strong result in April, with both business conditions and confidence improving – pointing to ongoing strength in business activity in the near-term.

Results from the March NAB Monthly Business Survey point to an overall healthy economy that is gaining momentum, at least in the near-term.

This May 13-23, I will be leading NAB’s Agribusiness China Tour 2017. If your business involves cattle, sheep or wool, I encourage you to consider joining me.

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.

Business survey suggests solid near-term activity, despite easing from multi-year high.

More Australian businesses are doing business overseas and with advances in technology and the strength of the Australian dollar, more and more small businesses are choosing to import goods from overseas suppliers.

The China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) is a source of significant optimism for many of our business clients, most notably our small and medium sized business clients who are the key employer base in Australia and who generate a significant percentage of our country’s economic activity.

The strength witnessed in last month’s NAB Monthly Business Survey continued into January, with both business conditions and confidence jumping to much higher levels.

Exporting goods and services to an offshore Asian market might be the next step to growing your business – and pricing will be vital to your success. Get it right and you’ll become established and make a profit.

Prices across the base metals complex have generally been stronger than expected in recent months, prompting some upward revisions to our price forecasts

Business confidence has held up quite well and is remarkably steady given the context of major uncertainties both at home and abroad. That said, the level of confidence has not picked up to reflect the overall strength in business conditions seen over the past year or more.

Australia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can have a significant impact on businesses sourcing materials from Asia, or elsewhere around the globe. It can make it easier, cheaper and faster for both you and the business you’re buying from.

If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, here’s a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China.

A free trade zone to expedite Australian food exports into China may soon become a reality. NAB’s Chief Customer Officer believes it’s a game changer for Australian agriculture.

Clare and Keith Mugford have one defining philosophy that’s been pivotal to Moss Wood's export success over the last 30 years: dedication to absolute quality, from soil to bottle.

Australia is ranked the most favourable country to conduct business by Chinese business leaders and business engagement between Australia and China is expected to increase over the next 12 months, a new report has found.

The trade minister said it was a good time for Chinese businesses to take advantage of low prices in the resources sector to position themselves for the upswing in resources, oil and gas.

Your business can benefit by getting the FX solution that best suits your needs.

Imagine 800 million buyers at your door.

Research has identified that the Australia-China economic relationship is broader than previously assumed, with considerable new growth opportunities for Australian businesses in agribusiness, manufacturing, real estate, tourism, education and finance and professional services.

Cindy Batchelor, Executive General Manager NAB Business presents the best ways to take your business online.

If your business needs to import raw materials or goods, there are a few bases you’ll have to cover to ensure you’re importing within the law. You can’t simply import anything; some items are illegal while others are banned from certain countries.

The trading partnership between Australia and New Zealand is a strong one. With the earliest trade agreement between the two countries dating back to 1922,

The rise in the USD and short dated UST yields on the back of Fed vice-chair Fisher's comments over the weekend have been partly unwound in the overnight session.

The Australian dollar has opened this week close to 0.76 US cents, having lost some ground last week amid warnings from several key Fed speakers that the market is under-pricing the chances of a Fed rate hike this year

Europe had a quiet day with many continental countries observing Assumption day. The Stoxx 600 index ended the day flat and the FTSE100 climbed 0.36% aided by another move lower in Sterling.

Spare capacity in the labour market seems to have been an important part of the RBA’s recent decision to lower the cash rate further. The linkage is low wages growth – which reflects this spare capacity – and which, as a key determinant of prices, impacts on the RBA’s outlook for inflation.

Solid growth across the large south-eastern states has become increasingly entrenched over the past year, while difficult conditions in the mining sector are having a more pervasive impact across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland.

This report presents our initial estimates for Australian wheat production for the 2016-17 season.

The Australian cattle industry is in the midst of a significant transition following a period of almost unprecedented growth in cattle prices.

Price developments over the past week supportive of NAB view that markets had become overly pessimistic on the growth outlook – commodities, equities and the $A all rally strongly; bond yields rise sharply.

This excerpt from the NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index examines barriers to engagement between Australian and Chinese businesses.

This excerpt from the report synopsis examines how Australian and Chinese businesses believe the Australia China Free Trade Agreement will impact bilateral engagement.

The first-ever report comparing attitudes of Chinese and Australian business leaders towards bilateral engagement was conducted by NAB and the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney. This excerpt examines how bilateral engagement is expected in increase.

The rotation in economic activity towards the non-mining states is continuing, while conditions in mining states have become more challenging as commodity prices have fallen further.

The first-ever report comparing attitudes of Chinese and Australian business leaders towards bilateral engagement was conducted by NAB and the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney.

Australian producers have been shielded from much tumult by a lower Australian dollar and a large and relatively stable domestic market.

Taking the risk to pitch an Australian segment for Sesame Street has opened doors globally for Wayne Denning, founder of Carbon Media.

Earlier this week, Australia agreed to become part of a historic trade agreement, including countries that account for nearly 36% of global GDP and one quarter of global trade. This document provides a summary of the key measures, reported benefits and what we know so far about contentious issues.

Australia’s agricultural producers, long frustrated by the inaccessibility of neighbouring Asian markets, now find themselves operating on a more level playing field given the signing of free trade agreements with Japan, Korea and China.

Economic activity is shifting back to the eastern seaboard as the economy transitions towards non-mining sources of growth with domestic demand will be strongest in New South Wales and Victoria.

The RBNZ has just delivered a universally expected 25-point cut to the OCR (to 2.75%) and says both that some further easing seems likely and that further currency deprecation is appropriate. This takes a bite out of pre-RBNZ NZD strength.

Lamb prices follow a generally seasonal pattern, rising early in the year before declining in spring as spring lamb supply becomes available. Nonetheless, monthly average trade lamb prices have remained reasonably steady through July and into August this year and prices are now well ahead of the same time last year.

The global financial markets are breathing a sigh of relief and enjoying the advent of Spring here in the Southern Hemisphere. Happy days: the Fed may wait a little while before raising rates and China seems to have everything sorted.

Indonesia is Australia’s 11th-largest export market and 12th-largest trading partner. From what to wear to business meetings to how best to manage the decision-making process, we share tips to help Australian businesses prepare for opportunities within the world’s 16th-largest economy.

NAB Agribusiness has revised its national wheat crop forecast up to 21.6 million tonnes for this season, with 23 million tonnes possible contingent on good spring rain in key wheat regions.

Snowden Group achieved a breakthrough for the Australian service sector by cooperating with one of China’s central technical design institutes for the mining sector. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the services sector from 2009 – 2014.

Overall, we expect prices to generally rise in AUD terms for most of these commodities, with the exception of dairy and sugar, reflecting strong demand for beef in particular as well as the impact of a falling AUD.

Over a decade of cultivating relationships and building up the Tangalooma brand, the number of Chinese visitors has increased tenfold.

The past decade has seen remarkable growth in the trading relationship between India and Australia, with two-way trade in goods and services reaching $14.8 billion in financial year 2013-14.

Sixteen years ago, Melbourne’s Caulfield Grammar School looked to China to give its Year 9 students an immersion experience. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the services sector from 2009 - 2014.

Australian service exports to China have been increasing for more than ten years. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the services sector from 2009 – 2014.

Cattle prices began to ease in February and continued to fall until late March, before trending upward in early April in line with higher 90CL export prices to the US. Overall, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator fell 4.6% (AUD) month on month to 424.7 AUc/kg.

One of Shanghai’s largest private real estate developers, Shanghai Zhongfu, faced the challenge to integrate off-take from its planned Australian operation into the long supply chain of China’s domestic market.

It’s not widely known that China’s a strong buyer of Australian manufactured goods. In fact, manufacturing is now the second largest Australian exporting sector to China behind resources. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the manufacturing sector from 2009 - 2014.

Forecast production across summer crops remains divergent. Cotton is likely to see a significant fall in price year on year, as changes to Chinese subsidy arrangements and cheaper synthetic fibres eat into demand, outweighing the impact of reduced Australian supply.

Combined with strong industry fundamentals, Queensland saw significant rainfall during December 2014 and January 2015. In response, cattle prices have risen substantially as producers look to restock. However, despite this optimism, a number of challenges remain.

Since 2008, global quinoa consumption has rapidly increased. In Australia, planting has been concentrated largely in Western Australia. While there are potential benefits from diversification for wheat producers, concerns remain around reliability of yield, weed control and marketing.

Starting ABC Tissue soon after arriving from Hong Kong, Henry Ngai now manufactures some of Australia’s most popular brands of tissue products. He discusses his business, his strategy for success and being named Champion of Champions at the 2013 Ethnic Business Awards.

The latest issue of Business View magazine celebrates successful Australian business women. In our cover story we talk to top horse trainer Gai Waterhouse about overcoming barriers and what underpins the success of her business. We also chat to Collette Dinnigan and Lisa McGuigan.

“The index shows that Australia’s engagement with Asia is dominated by product imports and not surprisingly, our engagement is clearly strongest with China across all sizes of business. But, it is higher for SMEs than the ASX 300” said Alan Oster.

With imports and exports worth $9 billion and $19 billion respectively, the Republic of Korea is Australia’s fourth-largest trading partner. We share tips to help Australian business prepare for opportunities in South Korea.

For Allpress Espresso, creating a loyal market for their brand takes a carefully selected and dedicated group of coffee connoisseurs. We look at how they turned their start-up business in New Zealand into a leading supplier of specialty coffee in Australia, the UK and Japan.

Australians are increasingly importing from Asia. Business View talks to designer, Christina Re about her journey east, the impact it’s had on her Aussie-based business, and how she believes Asia provides scope for growth and the opportunity to create beautiful products.

While China remains our biggest trading partner, other emerging Asian nations – including ASEAN, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan – are critical sources of imports and exports for Aussie SMEs. Understanding these regional economies and their distinct differences is critical.

In this edition, Business View magazine highlights the success of businesses working with, inspired and supported by family. Our cover story features how Mildura Brewery owners Stefano de Pieri and wife Donata Carrazza successfully blend family and business.

Australia’s 25th Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, spoke at the World Business Forum about how political contexts shape economic climates, sharing his optimistic outlook for Australia and the US and the challenges ahead for China.

Our leading team of economists have broken-down how the 2014 Federal Budget impacts Australian business. As well as analysis, we outline the key initiatives and how the industry is responding.

When running a business it’s important to understand your obligations in relation to domestic and international sanctions and embargoes, and how they may potentially impact your business before entering into arrangements with offshore customers and/or their agents.

There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about recently – from the impact of weather on global economic growth to retailers’ expansion plans. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.

Post-farmgate agribusiness conditions rose significantly to their highest level in 9 years in the December quarter, with across-the-board improvements in all the three components of trading, profitability and employment.

There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about recently – from the action on Melbourne’s Chapel Street to where to find the richest retirees. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.

Australia is a nation that prides itself on sports and we have plenty of options when it comes to sourcing our equipment and selling it. Here are some interesting facts and tips for your consideration.

The big question for 2014 is whether the Australian dollar will keep trending lower with perhaps a secondary question about whether Australian property will continue to boom. According to Business Spectator’s Alan Kohler - yes and yes.

The summer edition of Business View Magazine explores the ecosystem behind the business of sport, looking at how entrepreneurs working in and with the sports sector deal with changes in the business environment. Download the free iPad edition via our new publications app NAB Think.

Do you know how sanctions and embargoes work and how they can impact your business? As an agribusiness it's important to understand your obligations in relation to domestic and international sanctions before entering into arrangements with offshore providers and/or their agents.

Discussions of food security in Asia have often centred on the issue of supply, but now the emphasis is shifting from quantity to quality. The ability to address the issue of food quality is complicated by the increasing complexity of the food supply chain in Asia.

Grace Mazur was so impressed by the Thermomix she saw in Europe that she decided to sell them in Australia and she’s now the world’s leading independent distributor. Grace talks with Business View about the hard work, perseverance and passion that have contributed to her success.

Most businesses in the healthcare sector are affected by fluctuations in currency and interest rates. NAB’s Head of Corporate & Institutional Markets, Darren Hooton, cautions against complacency and suggests strategies for mitigating risk.

In this edition, we delve into the experiences of finance commentator turned business builder Alan Kohler, detail bringing an invention to life and explore running a business in an extreme climate. We also cover retaining staff, handling tax in your SMSF and negotiating contracts in China.

If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, there’s now a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China. Hear the latest insights from NAB’s team of experts.

In the lead up to the Australian events for Australia China Business Week, we bring you part two of our series and reveal more of the insights discussed at last month’s Shanghai event. If you’re considering doing business with China then read on to learn more about the Chinese market.

Considering doing business with China? Australia China Business Week, the most significant Sino-Australian business events of the year, kicked off in Shanghai last month ahead of upcoming events in Melbourne and Sydney. We reveal the insights shared by the Shanghai delegates.

The impact of the Euro-zone financial unrest to the healthcare industry is increasingly affecting importing and exporting decisions of Australian healthcare businesses. Economic backdrop Currency markets continue to be volatile, notes Mike Bligh, NAB Head of Specialised Business, Business Markets and Wholesale Banking, and “significant swings are becoming a daily event. We recently saw the […]

No matter which area of the health industry you’re in, a higher or lower Australian dollar will impact on your profit margins when purchasing medical equipment or products from overseas or when recruiting staff from abroad. In the current situation, with the Australian dollar trading strongly, some GPs are buying equipment from online overseas medical […]

With the Australian and US dollars trading close to parity, price ramifications for both exports and imports can make life difficult for local industries. But there are tools to reduce financial risk and help protect Australian businesses from the effects of currency fluctuations.