Has the Reserve Bank's shock OCR increase backfired?

Has the Reserve Bank's shock OCR increase backfired?
ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner thinks RBNZ achieved what it wanted to. (Image: NZ Herald)
Jenny Ruth
You have to wonder whether the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is happy with the reaction from financial markets in response to last Wednesday’s 50 basis point hike in its official cash rate to 5.25%.The market was shocked, having priced in just a 25 basis points (bp) hike.But apart from very short-term interest rates out to a year, wholesale interest rates are now down across the curve compared to just before the Reserve Bank of NZ's (RBNZ) 2pm announcement on April 5.Bank of NZ market strategist Jason Wong suggested RBNZ’s hike &l...

More Finance

Disclosure breaches Class action against ANZ NZ continues
Finance

Disclosure breaches Class action against ANZ NZ continues

It comes as retrospective law tweaks fail to give relief.

Kiwi Capital Limited appoints Susan Peterson as chair
Finance

Kiwi Capital Limited appoints Susan Peterson as chair

New chair of Kiwibank parent company Kiwi Capital Ltd brings breadth of experience.

Canva cash and human capital sprinkling Kiwi startups
Finance

Canva cash and human capital sprinkling Kiwi startups

Canva alumni turn $73b valuation and liquidity event into backing for NZ founders.

NZ insurance firm Omni bought by UK giant Howden
Finance

NZ insurance firm Omni bought by UK giant Howden

Howden has been on a shopping spree in NZ over the past few years.

John Anthony 17 Oct 2025