‘Soft’ data on sentiment is positive and this should flow through to hard data, the ratings agency says.
Philip Lowe delivers another 25bp hike – as widely expected – with more in the pipeline.
Two gloomy reports out this morning point to tougher times, with spending dampened.
Economists say the central bank can afford a 50bp hike later this month to cool the inflation beast.
Stats NZ data shows unemployment up to 3.4%, wage pressures building.
Economists ponder the cost of the Auckland region floods – estimated at about $100m so far.
Inflation stays at near-30 year high, RBNZ expected to deliver another whopper.
Latest data reinforces need for further OCR hike next month to kick inflation to curb.
Region suffers biggest plunge in confidence in the country in latest survey, but business seems resiliant and mostly confident.
Gold makes solid gains this year, with all eyes on central banks and the inflation beast.