Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
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New Zealand mortgage holders face rising costs over the next six to 12 months, despite the RBNZ maintaining the OCR at 2.25%. Wholesale interest rates are climbing, prompting a significant shift toward two-year fixed rates as borrowers seek repayment certainty.
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.
Westpac New Zealand's June 2026 Consumer Update shows household spending has slowed sharply, with per-person retail card spending down by 0.3% in May, prompting forecasts of three RBNZ OCR hikes to combat persistent inflation.
New data reveals that one in six new home loans issued by Westpac New Zealand this year exceeds $1 million, as Auckland first-home buyers face a median entry price of $900,000.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand held the OCR at 2.25% in April 2026 as annual inflation remained stuck at 3.1%. Rising electricity and fuel costs, exacerbated by Middle East tensions, have prompted a sharp upward revision of short-term inflation forecasts.
New Zealand's national median home value held flat in May 2026 at $808,187, reflecting a cautious market influenced by high interest rates. Property values remain 17% below their 2022 peak, with key regional centres showing mixed performance.
Auckland's median house price dipped 0.1% to just over $1.04 million in April 2026, contrasting with a 0.1% national increase. High inventory and looming OCR hikes continue to weigh on NZ's largest property market.
New Zealand's annual inflation rate remained elevated at 3.1% for the March 2026 quarter, exceeding the RBNZ's 1-3% target band. The central bank has revised its inflation peak forecast to 4.3% amid escalating global oil price shocks and a deeply split monetary policy committee.
New Zealand's property market is bracing for a 2% price decline in 2026, reversing earlier growth forecasts. Rising mortgage rates and record-high inventory levels are driving the shift toward a buyer's market.
New Zealand business confidence fell to -10.6 in April 2026 as record fuel price hikes following Middle East conflict impacted profit expectations and inflation outlooks.
While Auckland and Wellington struggle with house prices significantly below their historical peaks, Christchurch is showing remarkable resilience. Strong internal migration and solid first-home buyer demand continue to support the local Canterbury market.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand faces renewed scrutiny as Q1 2026 inflation data shows annual price growth holding at 3.10%, exceeding the bank's target band.
New Zealand's housing market slowed significantly in April 2026, with national sales volumes falling 7.9% annually and the median price dropping to $775,000. Rising inventory levels and anticipated interest rate hikes are contributing to a shift in market dynamics.
The NZX50 index rose 1.1% on Friday to close at 13,039.2, ending a two-week losing streak. While Ryman Healthcare and Fletcher Building led the rally, record-low consumer confidence and a stagnant housing market continue to signal underlying economic fragility.
New Zealand's annual inflation rate remained at 3.1% in the March 2026 quarter, exceeding the RBNZ’s target band and market expectations. Rising electricity and local rates continue to drive domestic costs.
New Zealand's national median property value rose slightly to $809,101 in April, but a 0.1% decline in Auckland and Wellington highlights a widening regional divide as the RBNZ maintains a hawkish stance.