The SME Stream

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The Reserve Bank Governor says Kiwis will ultimately benefit from today's OCR hike - the first in more than three years.

The cash rate has been raised to 2.5 percent.

Governor Anna Breman says inflation's been eating up household budgets.

She says getting inflation back down helps everyone.

"It will actually make sure that households get their purchasing power back, they can spend more, they can get more demand, and we will see better growth and employment coming back." 

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People are not moving between jobs as seamlessly as they should in a productive economy, thanks to overly restrictive employment contracts.

This is the conclusion reached by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after a major new study spanning 15 countries including New Zealand.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.

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There are signs of optimism in the New Zealand economy, but are we ready to believe in the recovery?

Liam Dann and Tamsyn Parker look at the latest economic signals, from falling petrol prices and a stronger sharemarket to the lingering pressure on households. They also discuss new research showing young New Zealanders are more worried about the cost of living than their global peers, the impact of AI on the future of work, and why the Indian Prime Minister’s visit could mark a major trade moment.

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All eyes are on the Reserve Bank this week, as it prepares to make its latest call on the Official Cash Rate. 

Just weeks ago, a hike looked likely. 

But as Wednesday’s announcement approaches, that once-simple story has become a lot more complicated. 

Fuel prices have fallen, inflation fears have softened, and economists are now sharply divided on whether the Bank should move at all. 

So what changed? And what does this moment reveal about the balancing act the Reserve Bank is trying to pull off? 

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to talk through the OCR call, the growing uncertainty around it, and what comes next for borrowers, businesses, and the economy. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

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In an exclusive interview from Rome, Guy Haddleton tells Ryan Bridge about his plan for NZ properity.

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New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy says efforts to expand the country’s trade links are good news for exporters.

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Westpac report says removing barriers for women-led businesses could add up to $10 billion a year to NZ’s GDP. Cat Feaunati, Westpac NZ Head of Business. 

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