Inflation
Higher inflation and a weaker dollar? Could a left-leaning Government spook markets?
One expert is ringing the alarm bells, another is more concerned about the global picture.
Latest from Official Cash Rate
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Firmus pulls ASX listing
It had been billed as the biggest capital raising event since Telstra in 1997.
Please, Mr Trump: Fresh petrol pump pain threatens our fragile recovery
OPINION: Petrol prices have risen about 20% since the start of September.
New member appointed to powerful Reserve Bank committee that sets the OCR
Election gets in the way of a longer-term appointment being made.
Vulnerabilities that saw the Reserve Bank make mistakes during the pandemic still exist – review
Independent reviewers recommend how to improve monetary policymaking.
Mortgage pain: NZ’s biggest bank changes call, picks more rate hikes
Sharon Zollner says oil prices, a weaker dollar and growth drove the call.
US Fed raises interest rate for first time since 2023
Rates now sit at 3.75% to 4%, as inflation remains above the Fed's target.
Reserve Bank assistant governor resigns before the end of her term
Two vacancies now need filling on the powerful committee that sets the OCR.
Economists say the recovery has resumed ... do you believe them?
OPINION: Pessimistic households could delay the spending needed to sustain recovery.
Savers keep waiting as OCR hike unlikely to push fixed interest rates much higher
Meanwhile, mortgage rate hikes have largely been priced in.
The OCR has gone up - here's what I think about when fixing my mortgage
OPINION: Mortgage decisions should balance financial risk, flexibility and peace of mind.
Reserve Bank hikes OCR, warns inflation will stay elevated this year
It’s the second OCR lift of 2026, and the Reserve Bank says more may be needed.
Reserve Bank defends OCR hike amid warnings it could stall recovery
The Reserve Bank has lifted the OCR to 2.75% despite job market concerns.
Can we get rich without taking on lots of mortgage debt?
ANALYSIS: Mortgages finally sustainable; only a tiny portion of borrowers are underwater.
Is more business debt a sign of growth or a desperate measure to stay afloat?
While business debt can be a tool for growth, smaller firms are facing hard decisions.
NZ debt nears $1 trillion, but borrowing growth has slowed sharply
Mortgage and farm debt trends are improving, while small firms struggle.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Why Labour should leave the Reserve Bank alone
Reinstating the dual mandate risks worsening the cost of living.
Global ratings agency S&P lifts outlook for NZ economy
Growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027 have risen to 2.4% and 2.5%.
Is New Zealand waiting for an economic recovery that is never coming?
Businesses may need to adapt to a higher-inflation environment.
'It’s been hard going' - Nicola Willis as unemployment rises to 5.6%
New labour market data shows more people are out of work.
Reserve Bank weighs temporary appointment for powerful OCR committee
Governor Anna Breman takes stock of her first eight months on the job.
Rising again: Unemployment rate expected to land higher this week
Job vacancies have recovered from lows but remain below pre-Covid levels.
It's too late for the economy to save National now
OPINION: The economic recovery has stuttered too much to lift the voter mood by November.
Business confidence rebounds as firms hope for lower inflation
The ANZ Business Outlook survey shows confidence rose 19 points in July.
Nasdaq 100 slides into correction as Fed dissent rattles markets
Three of 12 US Federal Reserve officials voted for a rate rise.
Willis rejects Reserve Bank bid to roll over underspend
The move would have lifted its 2026/27 budget to $159m.