The SME Stream

Belief sluggish retail spending is a reminder retailers need to stick to the basics.

Stats NZ says core retail spending last month was only 0.4 percent higher year on year.

Spending on clothes fell most - at 4.2-percent - its fourth straight decrease.

First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers have to be hungry in the market, with strong retail disciplines - but he understands it's tough. 

He says rising costs and distribution has made things challenging for retailers. 

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The central bank says when firms see inflation above 3%, they respond by adding more fuel to that fire, leading to further OCR hikes to rein it in.

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The OCR has risen, but does that automatically mean your mortgage rate will rise with it?

Economist and commentator Bernard Hickey explains what really drives fixed mortgage rates, why New Zealand’s banks remain exceptionally profitable, and whether the Reserve Bank has moved too soon while the economy remains weak.

He also decodes the jargon surrounding monetary policy — including hawks, doves, neutral rates, LVRs and DTIs — and considers whether New Zealand can build a functioning economy without relying on house prices to keep climbing.

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Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases.

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Microsoft is cutting 4800 jobs - about two percent of its global workforce - in a sweeping restructure.

Most cuts are part of a restructure of its struggling Xbox gaming division.

It's the latest in a string of mass layoffs by the tech giant alongside major investment in AI.

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained the implications of this move.

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Trade Minister Todd McClay's praising the success of the Indian Prime Minister's weekend visit. 

Narendra Modi swept through Auckland on Saturday off the back of our Free Trade Agreement, mapping out a path to 2030 with Prime Minister Chris Luxon.

Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that the meetings were positive, and the Government's fulfilled its promise of making a growth in Indian relations, a strategic priority. 

He says it shows strengthening connections beyond trade, including areas such as defence and security, and diplomatic cooperation. 

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Narendra Modi's visit has added further impetus to the excitement surrounding the Indian market. 

India's Prime Minister attended a series of business, political and community events in Auckland on Saturday.

He's agreed to a roadmap with Chris Luxon - aiming to double two-way trade by 2030. 

India Business Council Chair Edwin Paul told Ryan Bridge why he isn't concerned about the $20-billion-dollar investment question. 

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