Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
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Australia's economic growth slowed sharply to 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, missing market expectations. Extreme weather disruptions and weak consumer spending dragged on activity, posing a policy dilemma for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Australia's 2026 economic outlook remains cautious, with the IMF projecting 2.0% GDP growth and inflation hitting 4.0%. As the RBA prepares for further rate hikes, consumer sentiment has fallen to near-record lows.
Australia has recorded its first trade deficit in goods and services since December 2017, driven by a surge in data centre equipment imports and high fuel costs. The March quarter current account deficit widened to A$27.1 billion, setting up a drag on upcoming GDP growth figures.
New Zealand has announced a pre-Budget 2026 investment of NZ$1.58 billion to boost maritime security. The package funds crucial naval fleet maintenance, long-range drone procurement, and a new technology accelerator program.
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis has defended a new $209 million prudential levy introduced in Budget 2026. Willis expressed confidence that major banks will absorb the regulatory costs rather than pass them on to consumers.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered Budget 2026, committing $7 billion in capital funding for key transport, health, and housing projects. The package balances infrastructure catch-up with fiscal prudence amid trimmed growth forecasts.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a reduced $2.1 billion operating allowance for Budget 2026, down $300 million from previous estimates. The government will instead prioritise a $5.7 billion capital package to bolster infrastructure and essential services.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's latest survey shows one-year inflation expectations have surged to 3.41%, the highest in years, signaling a likely OCR hike in July.
The OECD has identified structurally high electricity prices as a major barrier to New Zealand's economic growth, calling for urgent reforms to the energy market and firming capacity.
New Zealand's Budget 2026 prioritises fiscal discipline and targeted relief, aiming for an earlier return to surplus. However, this cautious approach risks stalling broader economic growth at a time when businesses and workers need a real engine for recovery.
The S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a significant 1.62% rebound to close at 8,731.70 points on Friday, May 29, 2026. This surge, driven by mining and banking gains, was fueled by hopes of a tentative 60-day US-Iran ceasefire extension.
New Zealand's Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2026 projects an operating surplus by the 2028/29 fiscal year, one year earlier than previously forecast. The improved outlook is driven by increased tax revenue and spending restraint.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% after an evenly split committee vote. However, a highly hawkish forward guidance track points to multiple rate hikes starting as early as July.
New Zealand officials are monitoring fuel supplies as petrol prices rise 33.6% and diesel 94.9% following conflict in the Middle East. Global oil prices hit US$102.40 per barrel as supply chain risks grow.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares suffered a record single-day fall of over 8% following a cautious Q3 update and the announcement of major housing tax reforms in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
New Zealand financial markets are pricing in several 25 basis point OCR hikes as inflation remains at 3.10%, despite a significant divide among major bank economists regarding the timing of future increases.
Shares in Domino’s and Collins Foods have seen sharp declines as Australian inflation hits 4.6% and high interest rates squeeze household budgets, forcing a pullback in discretionary spending.