Is monetary policy having any impact?

Is monetary policy having any impact?
The border reopening increased demand for workers in hospitality and education. (Image: Getty)
Andy Fyers
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has raised interest rates by 3.25 percentage points in the past 12 months.The bank is hoping this will soon slow demand in the economy and ease labour shortages, all without starting a recession.Inflation figures for the third quarter, out today, are expected to show annual inflation stubbornly at 6-7%.Economic sentiment has definitely been hurt by higher interest rates and inflation. But activity in the actual economy has so far been resolute.For now, the RBNZ thinks its current path of hiking the officia...

More Economy

Westpac adds another rate cut to its forecasts
Economy

Westpac adds another rate cut to its forecasts

Westpac Bank now expects the official cash rate (OCR) to trough at 3% and has pushed back the timing of its forecast tightening cycle.“Downside risks from global growth suggest the RBNZ [Reserve Bank of New Zealand] may continue easing beyond May,” chief economist Kelly Eckhold s...

Rebecca Howard 09 May 2025
Rams Logistics owed $3.2m to IRD
Economy

Rams Logistics owed $3.2m to IRD

About 50 employees are owed approximately $760,000, the liquidators said.

Gregor Thompson 08 May 2025
Paul Bloxham: NZ's growth to stem worker outflow to Australia
Economy

Paul Bloxham: NZ's growth to stem worker outflow to Australia

HSBC's chief economist says NZ will benefit from Chinese economic pivot.

Capital requirements review doesn't mean they are too high
Economy

Capital requirements review doesn't mean they are too high

The Reserve Bank of NZ is not committed to any one particular outcome. 

Rebecca Howard 07 May 2025