Economic & Market News

Global outlook weakens on Iran war; risks elevated.

19 March 2026 | 5 min read

In a close decision (5 votes to 4), the RBA Monetary Policy Board decided to lift the cash rate by 25bp to 4.10%.

17 March 2026 | 3 min read

Australian consumers continued to spend steadily in February, with total spending rising for a second consecutive month, according to NAB’s latest Consumer Spend Trend report. 

17 March 2026 | 3 min read

Rising global energy prices could make it harder for central banks to bring inflation under control and increase the risk that interest rates stay higher for longer, according to NAB Chief Economist Dr Sally Auld.

10 March 2026 | 3 min read

Business confidence unwound gains over the past two months, falling 4pts (unrounded) in February. Business confidence is now in negative territory for the first time in almost a year, likely reflecting some caution in the wake of the February rate hike.

Business conditions were flat in the month as a 1pt rise in trading conditions was offset by a 2pt fall in employment. 

10 March 2026 | 3 min read

Dwelling prices across the combined capitals have risen 9.6% over the past year. In February, prices rose 0.6% mom, driven by the mid-size capitals with Sydney and Melbourne seeing flat outcomes.

10 March 2026 | 3 min read

Sentiment in the housing market improved again in the December quarter of 2025 with the NAB Residential Property Index at +65 from +62 in September, continuing at a four year high.

26 February 2026 | 2-3 minutes

The economy looks to have maintained much of the momentum gained through mid-2025 and the unemployment rate remains low.

19 February 2026 | 2-3 minutes

January’s solid rise comes on the back of a very strong quarter for spending in the three months to December. 

17 February 2026 | 3 min read

Dwelling prices across the combined capitals have risen 9.2% over the past year. In January, prices rose 0.7% mom, even as Sydney and Melbourne have slowed.

17 February 2026 | 3 min read

While Australians are navigating increased financial and emotional pressures, the data highlights a community that remains proactive, adaptable, and strongly committed to preserving wellbeing.

16 February 2026 | 2 min read

NAB Chief Economist, Sally Auld, unpacks today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to increase the cash rate by 0.25bps to 3.85%.

04 February 2026 | 3 min read

NAB Group CEO Andrew Irvine has shared his reflections on the economy for the year ahead, saying Australians continue to have many reasons to feel optimistic.

14 January 2026 | 1 min read

NAB Economics and Markets Research has launched a new monthly Housing Monitor, a chart-based overview of key data relevant for residential property.

14 January 2026 | 2 min read

NAB Group CEO Andrew Irvine said Australia’s economy remained in good shape heading into 2026.

12 January 2026 | 1 min read

The economy looks to be ending 2025 with private sector growth strong and the labour market healthy. 

25 December 2025 | 2 min read

The NAB Spend Trend has shown consumer spending continued its steady climb in November, rising 0.6% as Black Friday sales buoyed household goods and strong demand for travel and hospitality led growth across services.

17 December 2025 | 3 min read

Business confidence fell 5pts (unrounded) in November, retracing some of the gains made over the past 6-months. 

17 December 2025 | 2 min read

We now expect the RBA to increase the policy rate by 25bp in February. This is likely to be followed by another 25bp increase in May, taking the cash rate to 4.1%.

16 December 2025 | 2 min read

NAB economists still expect a soft landing for the Australian economy, though see the RBA on the sidelines with growth already at trend and little-to-no spare capacity in the economy.

21 November 2025 | 2 min read