Australian business confidence improves again

Business confidence in Australia improved in the June quarter in all sectors except mining, which has been hit by falling commodity demand and falling prices.

The National Australia Bank's (NAB) quarterly business survey released on Thursday stated the data indicated "positive momentum is broadening across sectors".

The business confidence index rose four points to positive 4 in the quarter, consistent with the long-run average for the series, and driven by a 10-point improvement in June.

Retail was the most confident industry, rising 10 points to positive 14.

The bank's report said retail's result was "a little surprising in light of sketchy consumer confidence, but small business incentives from the federal budget appear to be helping."

The NAB said the rise in business confidence came in the face of uncertainty in the global economy and "sluggish" domestic demand.

The bank said it was "somewhat consistent with strengthening near-term indicators, including rising business conditions."

Buoyant residential markets in eastern states plus the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate cuts this year were helping confidence as well, it said.