RBNZ kicks off easing cycle, governor relieved

RBNZ kicks off easing cycle, governor relieved
RBNZ govenor Adrian Orr. (Image: NZME)
Rebecca Howard
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kicked off its easing cycle, cutting the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% and signalling plenty more are on the horizon. The official cash rate (OCR) has been steady at 5.5% for a year after a string of rate hikes aimed at taking the heat out of the economy and curbing inflation. ReliefReserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) governor Adrian Orr told a media conference that Wednesday's decision brought a sense of relief. “Why is that? Because it means inflation is going back to where it&rs...

More Economy

Consumer confidence back on the up – ANZ survey
Economy Free

Consumer confidence back on the up – ANZ survey

Consumer confidence rose five points to 98.3 in April, according to the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey, shoring up the upward trend that was starting to look wobbly.But inflation expectations also rose sharply – up 0.5 points to 4.7%, the highest reading since July 2023.“Household...

Staff reporters 24 Apr 2025
‘Uncertainty abounds’: Willis on trade war challenges
Economy

‘Uncertainty abounds’: Willis on trade war challenges

The impacts for NZ are twofold and will make its economic recovery harder, Willis says.

Rebecca Howard 23 Apr 2025
Rise in liquidations compounded by IRD crackdown
Economy

Rise in liquidations compounded by IRD crackdown

The IRD filed two-thirds of creditor applications in the March quarter.

Gregor Thompson 22 Apr 2025