Business conditions have soared to a four-year high in July on the back of a surge in construction activity, while business confidence has also strengthened, according to the National Australia Bank monthly business survey. The survey found conditions jumped to eight points in the month, compared with two points in June, suggesting a strong start to third-quarter demand. Conditions are now at their highest level since early 2010. NAB chief economist Alan Oster said much of the improvement in conditions was narrowly based, and despite strong readings for sales and profits, businesses were still very reluctant to ... (full story)