The battle against the thief in our pocket

The battle against the thief in our pocket
Westpac Bank now expects annual inflation to be 5.8% in the year to September. (Image: Getty)
Rebecca Howard
Food prices may have eased in September, but economists warn the fight against the so-called thief in our pockets is far from over.Actual prices fell 0.4% in the month of September, but they are still 8% higher than they were a year ago.After adjusting for seasonal effects, food prices inched up 0.1% in September.Westpac Bank now expects annual inflation to be 5.8% in the year to September after revising down its September forecast to 1.9% from 2%.The downward revision came in the wake of softer-than-expected food prices in September. Stro...

More Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious
Economy

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious

The key is that any changes add value, says Assistant Governor Karen Silk.

Rebecca Howard 28 Nov 2025
‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high
Economy

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high

Business confidence jumped another nine points from 58 to 67 in November, the highest level in 11 years, the ANZ Business Outlook survey for November shows.“Things are looking up!” said ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner.“Out of a hole, admittedly,” she added.When interpreting qu...

Staff reporters 27 Nov 2025
Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board
Economy

Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board

Finlay is expected to deliver increased accountability and transparency.

Rebecca Howard 27 Nov 2025