News

OCR holds right call – for now
2016-05-05

OCR holds right call – for now
Leaving the OCR on hold today was the right decision, but there will be further cuts down the track, economists say.
The Reserve Bank today left the OCR unchanged at its record low of 2.25% - despite weeks of speculation that ongoing low inflation might force its hand.
In the accompanying announcement, Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler acknowledged deterioration in global growth accommodative monetary conditions internationally.
He also said the New Zealand remains too high and that there are renewed...

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Predicting the RBNZ's next OCR announcement a head scratcher
2016-04-22

Predicting the RBNZ's next OCR announcement a head scratcher
It’s just over a fortnight now until the Reserve Bank makes its next Official Cash Rate announcement. After the surprise cut last time and a mixed bag of economic news since then, economists are scratching their heads to try and predict if the OCR will stay at 2.25% or be cut.
D-day for the Reserve Bank’s next OCR announcement, on April 28, is looming and, after March’s surprise cut, no one is sure what to expect. Low inflation and a resurgent Auckland housing market means the Reserve Bank’s next OCR move is a guessing game.
While many economists expect more...

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OCR Cut Vs 'Cool' For Market
2016-04-08

OCR Cut Vs 'Cool' For Market
Should the Reserve Bank cut rates to boost inflation, or hike them to slow borrowing?
On one hand, it has households racking up more and more debt and migration pressures building on house prices.
On the other, tanking inflation expectations and actual inflation at record lows.
Should it cut to boost inflation, or hike to slow the borrowing?
Economists say it's a fine balance but more interest rate cuts are on the horizon.
Household claims, largely made up of mortgage borrowing, are rising at their fastest level since 2008. Before the GFC, household credit was 159% of household income. Now it is...

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