Mumbai, Dec. 9 -- Australian business sentiment softened in November, with NAB's latest survey showing confidence dropping and operating conditions turning cooler, despite firms still facing tight capacity and persistent inflation.
After a run of strong months, Australia's business conditions index slipped three points to +7, while confidence dropped more sharply to just +1. Companies reported weaker sales and falling profits, mostly due to softer consumer demand following October's highs.
Even so, capacity utilization climbed to 83.6%-the highest in a year and a half-suggesting many firms are operating near their limits. Input and retail price pressures remain elevated, keeping inflation in focus.
With these mixed signals, the Reserve B...