Australia business confidence holds gains, jobs a worry

Australian business confidence improved in January as sales and profitability recovered from low levels, although firms also reported weakness in hiring that might bode ill for unemployment, a survey reported on Tuesday.

The monthly survey of more than 400 firms by National Australia Bank found confidence rebounded in the mining industry in January, perhaps thanks to rising prices for some key commodities, notably iron ore.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1148532/australia-business-confidence-holds-gains-jobs-worry