Outlook still rosy despite covid

Outlook still rosy despite covid
Spending could fall as much as 26% during alert level 4 but should recover quickly if lockdown is brief (Image: Deposit Photos)
Jem Traylen
Underlying resilience means the economy is expected to make a strong recovery from the current lockdown provided it doesn’t last too long.Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen told BusinessDesk that economic activity at level 4 can be restricted by as much as 26%, but most spending is simply pushed into future weeks once alert levels are lowered.“We see a bounce back in activity, we see some of that pent up demand from consumers being released back into the economy and that limits the overall hit," Olsen said. “...

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. 

Rebecca Howard 17 Oct 2025
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