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Total NAB customer spending grew 7.0% y/y in Q3 2018 – up from 5.6% in the previous quarter and 3.0% in the same quarter a year ago.

With the busy festive shopping period approaching and a shiny new $50 note in circulation, it’s important for business operators to be aware of the security features on Australian banknotes.

In seasonally adjusted terms, at 0.3%, online retail sales slowed in September. The 12 months to growth rate is also slower.

The business conditions index rose by 2pts to +15 index points in August, recovering some of the ground lost in recent months. Business confidence fell 3pts to +4 index points and is now below average.

Online sales growth on par with June, faster over the year

Total NAB customer spending grew 5.6% y/y in Q2 2018, down from 6.8% in the previous quarter and 3.9% in the same quarter a year ago. It grew faster in metropolitan (6.5%) than regional (5.1%) areas.

Consumer anxiety up steeply in Q2. Overall spending tightens as concerns about the economy and our household financial positions grow. Spending on utilities a key expense, and growing.

The global boom in SMEs in a world hungry for quality Australian goods and services is creating opportunities for local businesses prepared to look beyond their own backyard.

The business conditions index fell by 2pts to +12 index points in July, continuing its run of declines since April. Business confidence ticked up 1pt to +7 index points, an around average level.