December inflation likely on target, RBNZ set for Feb rate cut

December inflation likely on target, RBNZ set for Feb rate cut
Economists estimated NZ consumer prices lifted 0.5% in the December quarter. (Image: DepositPhotos)
Rebecca Howard
Economists expect annual inflation was in line with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s forecasts in the December quarter, keeping it on track to cut rates by another 50 basis points next month. In November, it forecast annual inflation would be 2.1% in the December quarter versus 2.2% in the September quarter. Westpac Bank senior economist Satish Ranchhod also said the annual inflation rate was expected to slip to 2.1%, marking the lowest annual inflation rate since 2021. Ranchhod estimated that NZ consumer prices lifte...

More Economy

A brief inflation spike won’t spook the RBNZ
Economy

A brief inflation spike won’t spook the RBNZ

Some economists believe annual inflation could reach 3.1% in the third quarter. 

Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey
Finance

Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey

An economic thermometer reveals a cool-to-cold mood hanging over NZ, with Otago lukewarm.

Staff reporters 15 Oct 2025
Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios
Economy

Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios

The bank is relaxing LVR settings from the start of December.

Rebecca Howard 14 Oct 2025
Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association
Finance

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025 as NZ emerges from difficult economic climate.

Staff reporters 13 Oct 2025