Unemployment set to head higher, RBNZ still wary

Unemployment set to head higher, RBNZ still wary
(Image: Getty)
Rebecca Howard
Economists are tipping the latest data to show labour pressures are easing but say the hurdle for interest rate cuts will remain high. The unemployment rate is expected to be between 4.2% to 4.3% in the December quarter versus 3.9% in the September quarter.The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) latest forecasts have it at 4.2%.The data is due at 10:45 on Wednesday. While the RBNZ is no longer required to have a target of maximum sustainable employment, the labour market – particularly wage growth and wage expectations &n...

More Economy

RBNZ likely to hit pause as market eyes future cuts
Economy

RBNZ likely to hit pause as market eyes future cuts

The official cash rate is at 3.25% versus 5.5% a year ago.

Business confidence nixes July RBNZ cut
Economy

Business confidence nixes July RBNZ cut

Economists say July is a pause, not the end point.

Rebecca Howard 02 Jul 2025
Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future
Economy

Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future

Budget funding for new inflation-reporting tech is a giant leap forward, agency says.

Maria Slade 27 Jun 2025
Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr
Primary Sector

Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr

The Pulse of NZ Business survey found construction and retail continue to lag.

Gregor Thompson 25 Jun 2025