TALK of interest rate rises is sparking concerns about falling sales and increased operating costs, according to the lates Dun and Bradstreet National Business Expectations Survey.
However, it found that most businesses remained unconcerned about a possible end to the housing boom.
D&B Australia & New Zealand CEO Christine Christian said the latest drop in expectations was a case of businesses coming to a more realistic assessment of the year ahead.
“Expectations for growth in sales, profits and employment jumped to an over-optimistic three-year high in July,” she said.
“Over the past two months that vision has now moderated.
“The improving world economy, increased tourism, low inflation and a continuing healthy level of housing construction are all lending strength to the Australian economy as it recovers from the drought.”