Economists downbeat on GDP, watch out for the FOMC

Economists downbeat on GDP, watch out for the FOMC
The US Federal Reserve's FOMC could keep the kiwi under pressure. (Image: Getty).
Rebecca Howard
Economists are starting to forecast another domestic economic contraction against a backdrop of weak data but the main focus this week is squarely on the US Federal Reserve.  Westpac Bank expects a 0.2% fall in New Zealand’s gross domestic product for the March quarter versus December. The Reserve Bank of NZ had forecast 0.2% growth. “The New Zealand economy is only just now moving into ‘cool’ territory, given how overheated it had become in previous years,” said senior economist Michael Gordon. Acco...

More Economy

Business gloom offers inflation hope
Economy

Business gloom offers inflation hope

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research’s (NZIER) Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a continued deterioration in business confidence in the second quarter.A net 35% of firms expected a deterioration in the general economic outlook over the coming months on a seaso...

Staff reporters 02 Jul 2024
Independent costings needed for tough political decisions
Economy

Independent costings needed for tough political decisions

The time is now for an Independent Fiscal Institution.

Cameron Bagrie 01 Jul 2024
Brave-faced craft chocolate industry finds strength in unity
Retail

Brave-faced craft chocolate industry finds strength in unity

More than 30 boutique chocolate companies raised the bar at Chocstock.

Gregor Thompson 01 Jul 2024
Medicine working but business confidence continues to fall
Finance

Medicine working but business confidence continues to fall

Confidence in retail and construction rose, while other sectors were more downbeat.

Tom Raynel 27 Jun 2024