Business confidence still low but lifting

Business confidence still low but lifting
ANZ's Sharon Zollner says the bank's latest confidence outlook shows some positive indications. (Image: ANZ)
Staff reporters
Businesses remain gloomy, but confidence and expected own activity indicators both lifted in the ANZ Business Outlook for May.This month’s survey brought a bounce in several activity indicators, while inflation indicators continued to creep lower.ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said: “On the other hand, employment intentions eased. This may not all be due to smaller desired staff numbers; it may partly reflect that some long-running vacancies have now been filled as labour supply has increased.“Most inflation indicators eas...

More Economy

Kiwibank looks to grow as FY profit tightens
Finance

Kiwibank looks to grow as FY profit tightens

Kiwibank has flagged the NZ economy to improve in 2026.

Staff reporters 21 Aug 2025
Energy shortage reduces and increases regional emissions
Economy

Energy shortage reduces and increases regional emissions

Lack of gas reduces industrial production in Taranaki, but Waikato coal increases.

Ian Llewellyn 21 Aug 2025
Weak economy prompts dovish RBNZ pivot
Economy

Weak economy prompts dovish RBNZ pivot

The Reserve Bank forecasts point to two more rate cuts this year. 

Rebecca Howard 21 Aug 2025