The Reserve Bank's keeping a watchful eye on global trade developments. 

It's lowered the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points to 3.5%, with another cut expected next month. 

But it's still waiting to see how trade barriers affect inflation before deciding what to do after that. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens the central bank is right to take a wait-and-see approach. 

He says what's become very clear over the past couple of days, and again this morning, is how everything can change in an instant. 

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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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Donald Trump's turning up the heat on China but throwing a tariff lifeline to most others. 

He's authorised a 90-day pause which will see tariffs dropped to 10% for many countries.  

However, China's rate has been increased from 104% to 125%. 

Eric Crampton —Chief Economist at New Zealand Initiative— told Mike Hosking it's a rapidly changing situation. 

He says it’s really hard for any business to plan in this kind of environment – the chaos is just going to continue. 

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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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Reports indicate the bond market ultimately prompted Trump to pull back on his stream of tariffs.

The US President announced on social media that he paused tariffs against 75 countries for 90 days - with China being a notable exception.

NZ Herald business editor Liam Dann explained further - and unpacked the market reactions since Donald Trump made his u-turn.

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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.

This week, the Official Cash Rate and Trump's tariffs are dominating headlines - there’s good news for mortgage holders, but not so much for exporters, retailers are doing it tough competing against the likes of Temu … plus how to make the most of your KiwiSaver, and a really inspiring chat with the founder of fitness brand LSKD.

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.

Microsoft is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades since Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded what would become one of the world's largest technology companies. 

In this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, the managing director of Microsoft New Zealand, Vanessa Sorenson, reflects on the company's journey and its vision for the future. 

Featuring the hits and misses from Microsoft over 50 years in business and its more recent push into artificial intelligence and establishment of its first hyperscale data centre region in New Zealand.

The Business of Tech is streaming on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

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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Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR, and Labour is advocating for Government to step up and do its bit by spending more. Is there really a case for this?

UOA researchers found that higher EV uptake has actually been linked to increased emissions - because we're still using energy to charge them. What do we make of this? 

Benjamin Doyle has explained that they only ever referred to themselves when using the word 'bussy'. They're not going anywhere - but they've voiced disapproval with the hate and threats. Is this the end of the whole saga?

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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.

Donald Trump says the changes to his tariff policy show he's flexible.  

He's put a 90-day pause on additional tariffs and lowered tariffs on all countries to 10% – except China.  

Instead, Trump hiked China's rate from 104% to 125%.  

He's thanked Americans for bearing with him and promised better days are coming. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking things are uncertain, but their view is that we need to stay the course. 

She says they can’t controll what happens elsewhere in the world, but they can control what they do here at home.  

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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.

Labour's finance spokesperson has accused the Government of 'sitting on its hands' amid an economically turbulent week for the world.

Barbara Edmonds has criticised Nicola Willis' response to Donald Trump's tariffs - and accused her of 'complacency' as Kiwis express concerns over their jobs and mortgages.

She says the Government needs to look inward and come up with a solution that benefits New Zealanders.

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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.

The Government has introduced legislation that could see more than 150,000 mortgage holders miss out on hundreds of millions in compensation for mistakes made by ANZ and ASB.

The Government wants to ensure lenders are not disproportionately punished if they fail to disclose all the right information about a product to their customers.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this could mean for the banks - and homeowners. 

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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.

The Reserve Bank is keeping a watching brief internationally as Donald Trump's new tariffs kick in.

The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 25 basis points, to 3.5 percent.

Banks speedily lowered their advertised rates in response.

Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan explained what the bank will be monitoring going forward.

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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.