Smaller hike as omicron, geopolitics and house prices keep RBNZ cautious

The key factor, however, is inflation. (Image: Getty)

Fri, 18 Feb 2022

Inflation is expected to spur a rate hike next week, despite omicron, jitters about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, and signs of a slowing housing market.While the market is toying with the idea of a 50-basis point rate hike to 1.25%, most economists expect it to opt for 25 basis points (bps).The rate hike would mark the third increase since it began lifting rates off record lows last October.“There is no serious debate about the fact that the New Zealand economy needs higher interest rates to rein in persistent inflation pressure...

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Property

Developer Kurt Gibbons buys Ryman’s Newtown site

The land was formerly the site of Wellington's Tip Top bread factory.

Gregor Thompson 10:30am

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One Night in Bangkok was a hit song from what musical?By inserting an extra letter, what word meaning a small group of trees can be changed to one meaning a dead body?State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Opotiki passes through what gorge?What was the nickname of a 1940s Hollywood...

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