Five charts explain why rates are set to rise

Five charts explain why rates are set to rise
A slew of economic indicators are pointing to looming inflation. (Image: Deposit Photos)
Andy Fyers
Forget the negative official cash rate, interest rate hikes are now imminent, with bank economists falling over themselves to bring forward their forecasts for an increase.After reading the tea leaves from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s monetary policy review on Wednesday, all four major banks said they now anticipate an increase in August – assuming a continuation of stronger than expected economic data.ASB even decided to get in early and increased their mortgage rates.Previous RBNZ forecasts had the first hikes occurring in Se...

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