Business sentiment rallies unexpectedly

Consumers aren't feeling great about the economy, but business confidence is surprisingly rising. (Paul Miller/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Business confidence unexpectedly rallied last month even as consumer confidence recently turned unexpectedly gloomy, three long-running sentiment surveys indicate.

NAB's Monthly Business Survey, involving inquiries at more than 400 non-farm businesses conducted from 19 July to 29 July, showed business confidence rising five points to +7 - just above its long-running average.