Articles in ‘Economics’

New Zealand's economic outlook remains finely balanced ahead of this week's Official Cash Rate decision. While financial markets increasingly expect the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates, Kiwibank believes policymakers should hold the OCR at 2.25% to allow the economy more time to recover from recent oil price shocks and subdued consumer demand. INR Report: Based on reporting by Kiwibank Economics HERE. · OCR Decision Looms · All eyes will…

The International Monetary Fund is warning that rising geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and economic rivalry are accelerating a fragmentation of the global economy. While the IMF is not predicting the end of the US dollar, it says governments are increasingly restructuring trade relationships, supply chains and financial systems around national security rather than economic efficiency. INR Report: Based on reporting and analysis by…

The global oil shock triggered by tensions in the Middle East has interrupted New Zealand's economic recovery, but Kiwibank economists believe the economy remains resilient enough to avoid a deeper downturn. Report by elocal · In their latest weekly commentary, "Stuck in a Rally: Markets Eye a Peaceful Break," Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr and Economist Alexandra Turcu argue that while uncertainty remains elevated, financial markets are…

After one of the most dramatic housing booms in New Zealand's history, the market has now spent more than three years largely moving sideways. While many homeowners continue to wait for prices to recover to their 2021 highs, economists argue there is another side to the story: housing affordability has improved significantly. Report by elocal · After one of the most dramatic housing booms in New Zealand's history, the market has now spent more…

Kiwibank economists are warning that New Zealand's improving economic recovery faces a fresh challenge as conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supplies and increases uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Report by elocal · In its latest weekly commentary, Kiwibank says financial markets appear surprisingly calm despite a rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation, with oil prices remaining near US$80 a barrel even as…

For decades, Japan has quietly played a central role in the global financial system. · While most central banks moved interest rates up and down through economic cycles, Japan kept rates near zero for almost three decades. The result was an enormous flow of Japanese capital into overseas markets and the creation of one of the most important funding mechanisms in global finance: the yen carry trade. Report By INR · Now, according to geopolitical…

!Trump Says Hormuz To Reopen Friday After Signing Of "Great Peace Deal" With Iran · Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic and energy flows are expected to resume following the proposed agreement. · By Tyler Durden Monday, Jun 15, 2026 - 10:48 AM · Summary · Trump Says Hormuz Chokepoint Reopens Friday Pakistan PM Confirms Peace Deal, with a signing event in Switzerland next Friday Trump Confirms US-Iran Peace Deal "Now Complete" and says "Let…

New Zealand's economic recovery may have been handed a lifeline as hopes of a peace deal in the Middle East send oil prices lower and global markets higher, according to Kiwibank's latest economic outlook. The bank's economists say recent developments have dramatically improved market sentiment after months of uncertainty surrounding the conflict between the United States and Iran. · Brent crude oil has fallen below US$90 a barrel for the first…

New Zealand's hoped-for economic recovery is facing fresh challenges, according to Kiwibank economists Jarrod Kerr and Alexandra Turcu, who say rising global uncertainty, higher interest rate expectations and a struggling construction sector are combining to slow momentum across the economy. By Elocal Economics Desk · Speaking on the latest episode of Markets, Mystics & Mayhem, the pair examined the fallout from unexpectedly strong US…

Global markets remain on edge as conflict in the Middle East, elevated oil prices and shifting interest rate expectations continue to weigh on economic confidence. Yet beneath the headlines, there are signs that parts of the New Zealand economy are proving more resilient than many expected. By elocal Business Desk · According to Kiwibank's latest First View report, uncertainty remains the dominant theme of 2026, but there are also emerging…