NZ consumer confidence climbs in May as unemployment dips below 5%

NZ consumer confidence climbs in May as unemployment dips below 5%
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth May 18 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer confidence rose in May, helped by a strengthening labour market that has driven unemployment to its lowest level in almost nine years, stoking optimism about people's finances even in the face of stagnant wage growth.  The ANZ-Roy Morgan NZ consumer confidence index rose 2.2 points to 123.9 in May, with the current conditions index gaining 4.6 points to 127.8 and the future conditions index edging up 0.4 of a point to 121.2.  Government data this week showed retail sales rose...