US stalemate hits Ansell

The political standoff over the debt ceiling in the US has created uncertainty, impacting Ansell's sales growth in the first quarter despite a strong American market.

Yes, Ansell has reaffirmed its earnings guidance for this year, showing confidence despite the challenges faced in the first quarter.

Ansell's earnings before interest and tax rose by 11 percent last year, reaching $171 million.

Yes, the American market remains strong for Ansell, although the political issues have introduced some uncertainty affecting sales growth.

The debt ceiling standoff has created uncertainty that affected Ansell's sales growth in the first quarter, but the company has still maintained its earnings guidance for the year.

Ansell is optimistic about its financial outlook, as evidenced by its decision to reaffirm its earnings guidance for the year despite early challenges.

While the article does not specify all factors, Ansell's earnings before interest and tax increased by 11 percent last year, indicating strong performance in certain areas.

The increase was significant, with Ansell's earnings before interest and tax rising by 11 percent to $171 million last year.