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Australia Consumer Sentiment Languishes in Pessimistic Territory
Australian business conditions showed ongoing resilience to higher interest rates and elevated price pressures, while consumer confidence fell further into “deeply pessimistic” territory, highlighting the divergent responses of the corporate and household sectors to tighter policy. Business conditions, which measure sales, employment and profitability, rose 2 points to 13 in August and held above the average level since the start of the year, a National Australia Bank Ltd. survey showed Tuesday. Confidence was steady at 2 points, implying optimists outnumber pessimists. “Businesses continue to report very high ... (full story)