The SME Stream

We are apparently more worried here about paying our power bills than consumers overseas in comparable circumstances.' Garth Bray 2degrees wrap.

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Retailers are optimistic a bump in spending will stick around.  

Latest Stats NZ data on electronic card transactions shows July's core retail spending is up 3.5% compared to the same time last year.  

Retail NZ says it's an encouraging sign considering the winter months are typically slower for the sector.  

Communications Manager Denise Garland told Mike Hosking the FIFA World Cup was likely a big factor in the positive hospitality numbers.  

She says it’s been a rocky year for retail, but they’re seeing more people out and about and in cafes and restaurants, so there’s hope the bounce will continue. 

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Inflation is easing but further Official Cash Rate hikes are probably unavoidable. 

Latest Stats NZ data shows the prices of diesel and petrol have been steadily falling for three consecutive months. 

Diesel inflation's fallen to 34.8%, petrol inflation's fallen to 15.1%, electricity inflation's fallen to 9.5%, and food inflation is now just 1.9%. 

But Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge overall inflation is still well above 3%. 

He says the Reserve Bank is probably going to have to raise the OCR a couple more times this year. 

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In the property market we often focus on who's winning between the buyer and the seller, but an economist from Simplicity has calculated that renters could be the top dogs at the moment. 

But, Ed McKnight from Opes Partners questions the reliability of this claim. 

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The RBNZ recently hiked the OCR from 2.25% to 2.5%, and experts are expecting around another 1% of hikes over the next year, as managing inflation risks take priority over the weaker economy.

But when will our economy start turning around? Hamish Pepper from Harbour Asset Management joins Tim Beveridge to discuss.

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What happens when you simply can’t afford to pay your debts?

FinCap financial mentor Charlotte Whitakker joins The Prosperity Project to explain the options available when debt becomes overwhelming — from negotiating with lenders and hardship applications to KiwiSaver withdrawals, debt repayment orders and bankruptcy.

Plus, why buy now, pay later can fuel a debt spiral, when you should seek help, and why getting support earlier can make all the difference.

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

This week, The leadership rumble that’s created more uncertainty for SMEs, election policy season gains momentum, so which ones stand to benefit your business? Plus why listing salary details could make or break your recruitment process.

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