Rate cuts could come sooner if stars align – Westpac

Rate cuts could come sooner if stars align – Westpac
(Image: Getty)
Rebecca Howard
Westpac Bank currently expects the official cash rate to lift to 5.75% in February and remain there until early 2025 but says a rate cut as early as August 2024 could be plausible if the stars align.“This is not our central scenario right now, and there is a fair amount of water to go under the bridge for those cuts to occur,” Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said.He also said it is possible the official cash rate (OCR) might not go higher, adding: “We will review our forecasts in light of the messages of the RB...

More Economy

High bar for July rate cut – ASB
Economy

High bar for July rate cut – ASB

July cut can't be ruled out but there is value in waiting, ASB says. 

Rebecca Howard 04 Jun 2025
RBNZ expects rates to go lower
Economy

RBNZ expects rates to go lower

The central forecast and the two alternatives all have rates dipping below 3%. 

Rebecca Howard 03 Jun 2025
RBNZ 25bps rate cut wasn't unanimous
Economy

RBNZ 25bps rate cut wasn't unanimous

The vote was 5 to 1 to cut by 25 basis points. 

Rebecca Howard 28 May 2025
RBNZ cuts, signals more to come
Economy

RBNZ cuts, signals more to come

Risks around the economic outlook are heightened. 

Rebecca Howard 28 May 2025