The latest interest rate was announced this week - 2.2%, the lowest in 3.5 years. 

Property commentator Ashley Church joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impact property has on inflation rates. 

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. 

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MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor explains how investors should analyse his company that’s valued at more than double its underlying Bitcoin assets.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. 

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According to new reports, one in four New Zealand adults have bought something off Temu in the last three months.

The Chinese e-retailer, alongside similar fast-fashion giant Shein, has experienced a significant rise in popularity thanks to cheap prices and free shipping.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this boom in demand is harming traditional retailers, who are experiencing loss in demand during the current economic downturn.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. 

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Social Development Minister Louise Upston isn't worried by the increase in Kiwis relying on the benefit.

The Ministry of Social Development released numbers for the last quarter - showing nearly 205,000 people were receiving Jobseeker support, a 12.8 percent increase in a year. 

Upston says more unemployment is common during an economic downturn - but she's pleased to note more people have cancelled their benefit payments because they found work.

"I am really encouraged by the figures we've seen in the last quarter, where over 16,000 people have come off the jobseeker benefit and into jobs. That's really encouraging. So while I accept it's challenging out there, it's not impossible." 

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. 

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As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. 

In this weekly wrap, inflation is down - so does that mean things are actually cheaper, and what can we expect from next month’s OCR announcement? …. We talk retail spend, deep tech, and an inspiring chat with one of the co-founders of sustainable Kiwi shoe company All Birds.

The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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WNT Ventures has reached ten years of taking the crunchy stuff we call deep tech and helping turn it into companies and financial returns.

With successes like Foundry Lab, Mint Innovation and Carbon Crop in its portfolio, WNT Ventures has made an indelible mark on the country's deep tech scene.

The firm's managing partner, Carl Jones, joins the podcast to look back on an industry that has grown at a rapid pace and forward at where it might head next.

Plus, rocket catching, moon diving, and Peter Beck's take on what it would mean for Rocket Lab to win a massive Nasa Mars mission deal.

The Business of Tech is powered by 2degrees for Business.

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is continuing to fall and interest rates are likely to follow suit. 

The inflation rate has dropped to 2.2 percent. 

It's the first time in more than three years it's returned to the Reserve Bank's 1-3% target range. 

The Herald's Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham the markets are now pricing in a 100% chance the Reserve Bank will cut the OCR at least 50 basis points next month. 

He says there's now serious talk about a 75 basis point cut, which normally only happens during major economic downturns like the Global Financial Crisis. 

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga businesses are furious about what they label harsh outdoor dining fees following a tough winter. 

They've been waived for the rest of 2024, but in the new year businesses must pay an annual charge based on outdoor dining area.  

In Mount Maunganui it will be $150 per square metre used, which compares to Auckland, where the highest fee is $154 a square metre.  

Black Orchid Collective Cafe Owner Veronica de Oliveira told Ryan Bridge she understands the council wants to control the outdoor areas a bit since the summer is quite busy, but it’s also the only time of the year that they’re actually very busy. 

She thinks that a lot of people will rebel against the fees, and quite a few alfresco set ups will be lost, making the city quiet.  

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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There's pressure growing for the Reserve Bank to move more aggressively on the Official Cash Rate.

New Zealand's inflation rate is officially back on target, at 2.2 percent.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says that although the Reserve Bank has recently cut the OCR - it's still higher than it should be.

He says the Bank probably needs to slash the rate faster than it originally intended.

"It does open that strong possibility of a 75 basis point cut in November - because they'll be taking a 12-week break over summer."

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

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Australia's Government is set to ban debit card surcharges as part of an economic crackdown designed to bring financial relief amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Over on this side of the Tasman, the coalition Government has hinted New Zealand may follow suit and cap surcharge fees for debit and credit cards. 

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says he's committed to making sure Kiwis don't have to pay more than expected when they use their cards. 

"If there's clarity around it, then the retailer or Air New Zealand. whatever, can look at their situation and adjust accordingly."

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The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.