The trigger for the latest surge in market confidence was Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on implementing additional tariffs. The pause applied to non-retaliating countries. While the 10 per cent baseline tariff remains in place, this temporary suspension excludes China. Beijing instead saw its tariff rate increase to 125…

Recent data reveals property values rose by 0.5 per cent in March, following smaller gains in preceding months. Declining interest rates and improved affordability have driven this increase. Despite the recent upturn, average property values remain significantly lower than their peak in early 2022. While cities like Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch,…

Data from Dot Loves Data, based on ANZ card transactions, showed that spending priorities changed significantly in the final quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Essentials took precedence, and many Kiwis struggled to manage debt. Payments to debt collection agencies surged by 117 per cent, highlighting…

Confidence rose by 0.6 points, According to the ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index, reaching 96.6 for the month. Despite the small uptick, many consumers are still not feeling the full effects of an improving economy. One of the key indicators for retail activity measures the number of households that believe…

According to Finance Minister Nicola Willis, New Zealand’s trade ties with the U.S. are unique in their balance and complementarity, positioning the two nations in a strong trade partnership. She highlighted that the U.S. imports significant amounts of New Zealand’s meat and wine, while New Zealand also imports a variety…

This rate cut prompted a wave of lower interest rates on home loans. Some economists are debating whether the central bank’s actions go too far. ANZ has cut its floating home loan rate to 6.89 per cent for new loans. The bank has also lowered its fixed rates by 10…

The latest quarterly Survey of Expectations reveals inflation is projected to be 2.06% in two years, a slight decline from the previous 2.12% forecast. This aligns with the RBNZ’s inflation target of between 1% and 3%, with a preferred midpoint of 2%. Inflation expectations play a critical role in shaping…

The data from Stats NZ reveals employment has experienced its largest annual decline since 2009, and economists predict further falls before recovery. This rise in unemployment is in line with expectations. Meanwhile, businesses continue to grapple with financial pressures and a sluggish economy. Analysts suggest that job losses will persist…

Following a period of moderate decline, figures released by CoreLogic indicate a stabilisation in property prices. The market has shown minimal movement with only a 0.4 per cent decline since March and August 2024. The market experienced a drop of 4/1 per cent between these dates. CoreLogic economist Kelvin Davidson…

Recent data shows the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.2 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, landing within the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1 to 3 per cent. While economists are celebrating this milestone, the reality for many families is not something to cheer about. The…