Service sector activity picks up in July

Sun, 18 Aug 2019

By Rebecca Howard Aug. 19 (BusinessDesk) - Activity in the services sector improved in July to the highest level since January and inched above the long-term average. The BNZ-BusinessNZ performance of services index rose 1.7 points from June to a seasonally adjusted 54.7 and was 1.5 points higher than in July 2018. The long-term average is 54.4. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. "One should be cautious in reading too much into one month’s data, but the positive result is good to see and especially in the context of weakness appe...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: A geo-strategic model is now front and centre

A geo-strategic model is in the driving seat.

Cameron Bagrie 12:00pm

World

Trump downplays tariffs walk-back

Global markets have been on a roller coaster since Trump's tariffs announcement.

AFP 10:30am

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Monday, April 14

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Sponsored

Go beyond reporting zero emissions

Clean energy that helps businesses and communities thrive

Meridian Energy

Sponsored

New life in property market

Tax rule changes are bringing back mum-and-dad investors.

Fletcher Living

More Economy

Economy

Retail spending 'much weaker' than expected

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod says retail spending in March was "much weaker than expected".The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, fell a seasonally-adjusted 1.49% to $9.08 billion in March from Fe...

Staff reporters 1:00pm

Economy Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The unlikely way Trump is helping

The Trump tariff blitz is creating political opportunity in unlikely places.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Economy

Manufacturing sector keeping head above water

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector remained in expansionary territory for a third consecutive month, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for March was 53.2, down from 54.1 in February. A number above 50 m...

Rebecca Howard 11 Apr 2025

Retail

Hart business tips manufacturing contractor into receivership

A spokesperson estimated Hansells Masterton employs 100 people.

Staff reporters 10 Apr 2025

Service sector activity picks up in July

More Economy

Your company has a subscription

Team