The Central Business District (CBD) skyline is pictured at sunset in Sydney, Australia, June 4, 2021. REUTERS/Loren Elliott SYDNEY, Jan 24 (Reuters) – Australian businesses conditions moderated for a third straight month in December, while price pressures began to ease, pointing to a likely peak in inflation, according to a business survey issued on Tuesday. The results may reduce pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting, on Jan. 31. The survey from National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB) (NAB.AX) showed its index of business conditions had fallen 8 points to +12 in December, although it remained still well above its long-run average. The measure of confidence, on the other hand, improved 3 points to -1, remaining in negative territory for a second straight month. "Overall, the survey continues to point to a healthy level of activity with above average conditions and elevated capacity utilisation but a slowing in momentum with most indicators pulling back over the past three months or so," NAB said in a statement. "With confidence still in negative territory and well below average, and forward orders moderating further in the month, there are signs that conditions may ease […]
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