The SME Stream

Economic headwinds coming out of the Middle East could set back the labour market.

The number of filled jobs across the country lifted 0.3% from January to February.

But where public safety, healthcare, and education hiring improved in the past year, construction and manufacturing jobs slumped.

Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking we're yet to see the impacts of this war on business confidence and hiring intentions.

He says they're keeping a watchful eye on what happens with fuel supply and prices which could lead to difficult decisions, if it continues.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking at ways to keep hold of even more fuel than legally required. 

Fuel stocks have risen as of last Wednesday, with 27.9 days of petrol, 21.7 of diesel and 25.3 of jet fuel in the country. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's now exploring more options to guard against supply risks

"We want to be prepared if the worst happens and they can't get enough fuel for New Zealand." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KiwiSaver is undergoing some reforms, and former Mercury head Fraser Whineray is hoping to make it more competitive with Australia. 

The new changes are set to kick in this week, with the default contribution rate for both employees and employers rising from 3 percent to 3.5 percent.

Whineray explained how these changes will benefit Kiwis in the long run.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herald business commentator, Fran O'Sullivan - "Global trade grew by 6% last year but they're predicting it will slow to 1.9% this year."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The general manager of PGG Wrightson Wool says the current global economic challenges are weighing on a market that has performed well over the past two years.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's support for an India Free Trade Agreement remains tentative as it digs through the details.  

Leader Chris Hipkins has written to Trade Minister Todd McClay concerned the deal's contents don't line up with the version he's presented.  

Hipkins is warning it would be recklessly irresponsible for McClay to sign onto it without majority backing across Parliament.  

But Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking Labour needs to look at the broader benefits to exporters.  

He says the Government has a sea of red ink stretching out for decades looking at Treasury's accounts.  

Seymour says Labour needs to man up and put the best interests of the country at heart. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garth Bray joins Ryan with the latest in today's business news

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Oil prices have been climbing all month as a result of the conflict and experts have raised concerns.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a long time, the kiwi dream has been to do whatever it takes to get onto the property ladder and work your way up from there, but some investors are moving away from that advice - instead suggesting that it might be a better idea to rent and put your money elsewhere. 

It's not just the cost of the property and the mortgage repayments. You're paying to maintain the property in a way you wouldn't be if it were a rental, you're covering rates, insurance, and all the other little costs that add up pretty quickly. 

That's money that some investors argue could be spent on investments, or on a rental of your own that would at least bring some return. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prices are going up. 

Food prices are up, and will keep going up alongside fuel. Practically any goods that travel by land air or ocean to get to you will become increasingly unaffordable for the foreseeable future. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.