Articles from ‘elocal magazine’ in ‘Money & Finance’

Kiwibank Update: Markets Hold Steady As Pressure Builds Beneath The Surface · by elocal Economics Desk · Kiwibank’s latest commentary paints a picture of an economy that, on the surface, appears stable, but beneath that surface, pressure is continuing to build across multiple fronts. · At the centre of the update is a growing disconnect between global market behaviour and underlying economic risk. · Oil Volatility Returns · Global oil markets…

Overview · New Zealand’s economy is showing signs of recovery — but the improvement remains slow, uneven, and highly exposed to external shocks. · After a prolonged downturn through 2024–2025, recent data suggests the country has moved off the bottom. However, the recovery is still in its early stages, with multiple structural and global pressures limiting momentum. · Growth: Modest and Below Potential · Economic activity has lifted slightly,…

Kiwibank economists are warning that raising interest rates in the current environment would be “tone deaf” and potentially “reckless,” as New Zealand faces rising costs driven by global instability and energy shocks. In its latest economic commentary, Kiwibank argues the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) should resist calls for rate hikes, citing heightened uncertainty linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on fuel prices.…

Kiwibank economists are warning that any move to raise interest rates in the current environment would be “tone deaf” and potentially “reckless,” as New Zealand households and businesses grapple with rising costs and global uncertainty. In a sharply worded commentary, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr and economist Alexandra Turcu argue that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) risks repeating past mistakes if it tightens monetary policy…

New Zealand’s economic vulnerability to a global fuel shock is now being openly acknowledged by mainstream financial institutions, with Kiwibank warning that an escalating oil crisis could undermine the currency, weaken growth, and intensify inflation pressures simultaneously. · In its latest economic update, Kiwibank economists point to a rapidly deteriorating global backdrop driven by Middle East conflict and tightening fuel supply…

After a difficult 2025 marked by recession and slow activity, New Zealand’s economy is showing broad signs of stabilisation and budding recovery — not just in isolated sectors, but across the board, according to KiwiBank’s latest economic outlook. 📉 · KiwiBank Economic Commentary — 13 November 2025 · Interest Rates Have Reached Supportive Levels · Economists at KiwiBank highlight that interest rates are now much lower than they were this…

The World Bank has long defined corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain. Transparency International defines it as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Many commentators and politicians are shying away from referring to the current scandal engulfing our police as corruption. Regardless of what label we apply to this behaviour, dishonest conduct by powerful people carries broader societal implications. A number of…