European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
Oil Prices Jump After New U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Supply Concerns 
Mega IPOs Like SpaceX and OpenAI Could Reshape S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Portfolios in 2026 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Australia’s business landscape showed signs of cooling in November as key indicators of economic activity softened after several strong months. According to the latest National Australia Bank (NAB) business survey, overall business conditions slipped by 3 points to +7, retreating from their highest level since March 2024. Business confidence also weakened, dropping 5 points to +1, suggesting that sentiment may be wavering amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
The decline in conditions was driven mainly by softer sales and profitability. The survey reported a 6-point fall in business sales to +12 and a 5-point decline in profitability to +4. Despite the softer activity, employment conditions edged higher, rising 1 point to +4, hinting that businesses are still maintaining staffing levels even as demand moderates.
One of the standout findings of the report was the continued strain on capacity. Capacity utilisation climbed to 83.6%, its highest level in 18 months, underscoring the limited room companies have to expand output without adding costs. This aligns with recent inflation indicators, which remain elevated and could influence monetary policy decisions.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold interest rates steady at 3.60% during its final meeting of the year, although it is likely to maintain a cautious tone regarding future rate cuts. Analysts note that persistent capacity pressures could quickly translate into renewed price increases if economic growth accelerates.
NAB Chief Economist Sally Auld highlighted this concern, stating that tight capacity means any further upswing in growth could intensify inflationary pressures. Supporting this outlook, survey data showed higher price indicators, with purchase costs rising at a quarterly rate of 1.3% and retail prices increasing by 0.8%.
Overall, the November survey suggests that while demand may be cooling slightly, underlying inflation risks remain firmly in place due to capacity constraints and rising input costs.
