Reserve Bank hikes the official cash rate by surprise 50 basis points

Reserve Bank hikes the official cash rate by surprise 50 basis points
(Image: Getty)
Staff reporters
The Reserve Bank has today lifted the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 5.25%.The 11th successive hike, it takes the rate to its highest level since December 2008.Inflation is still too high and persistent, and employment is beyond its maximum sustainable level.The recent severe weather events in the North Island have led to higher prices for some goods and services, the Reserve Bank said. The New Zealand dollar rallied sharply on the higher than expected hike. In the minutes following the release, the Kiwi was trading at US63.6c, u...

More Economy

The inflation beast is back in its cave
Economy

The inflation beast is back in its cave

The RBNZ will likely cut by another 50bps in February, but then the pace will slow.

'Rolling maul' of Govt economy announcements
Economy

'Rolling maul' of Govt economy announcements

Nicola Willis plans to make a lot of policy announcements around growth.

Annual inflation at 2.2% in December quarter
Economy

Annual inflation at 2.2% in December quarter

The lift follows a 2.2% increase in the 12 months to the September quarter.

Rebecca Howard 22 Jan 2025
Card transaction data ‘much stronger than expected’:
Retail

Card transaction data ‘much stronger than expected’:

Stats NZ data shows retail spending has grown for five consecutive months.

Gregor Thompson 21 Jan 2025