New research released in the September Australian ARA Australian Retailers’ Index* reveals SME retailers are cutting back on costs but spending more on advertising in a bid to drive sales. Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Executive Director Richard Evans said retail SMEs were more concerned about the current economic climate than any other sector and with sales falling they were adapting to the new conditions. “With a drop in sales and profitability and increasing concern... ...Read more »
The ACCI Small Business Survey highlights that small business conditions have continued to deteriorate over the June 2008 quarter with this index falling to 43.4 - its lowest level since this Survey began in December 1996 and over 10 points below its five year average of 54.8. In the midst of continued moderation in employment growth, wage growth moderated slightly but non-wage labour costs continued to increase. The ACCI Small Business Survey also found that: • Business expects a further decline... ...Read more »
The June quarter Commonwealth Bank - ACCI Business Expectations Survey shows a significant fall in business confidence and reported business conditions. Business confidence fell to its lowest level since the survey began in 1994 and general business conditions were at the lowest level for five years. The news comes on a day when the Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to leave the cash rate steady at 7.25%. The RBA decision was expected but, unlike previous months, their primary concern now appears... ...Read more »
Business confidence amongst Australian fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers has taken a turn for the worse with 45 per cent suggesting business conditions have deteriorated in the past 12 months, according to the latest Nielsen research. The hit to confidence appears to have been driven by rising costs, coupled with a drop in consumer confidence. The findings were released by The Nielsen Company as part of its latest bi-annual Retail Barometer survey. The research captured responses from... ...Read more »
New research released today in the inaugural Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Australian Retailers’ Index revealed retail support for the Federal Government has dropped dramatically during the past quarter. Approval fell 28 points to a negative 32 percent approval rating, with 42 percent of retailers believing government policies worked against small business. The figures indicate retailer confidence is clearly lower than the general SME (small & medium enterprise) population. ARA... ...Read more »
Business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since March 2001 according to the quarterly report by the National Australia Bank (NAB). The NAB survey for the March quarter showed a drop of ten points in confidence to a figure of minus four. NAB surveyed 1700 firms throughout February and March to determine the results. Interest rates and inflation have hit the disposable incomes of consumers with interest rates rising twice in the quarter and inflation increasing to decade highs at... ...Read more »