Interest Rates: RBNZ OCR
2pm Wed 28 Feb, the RBNZ will unveil its eagerly awaited OCR decision, marking the first such announcement since 29 Nov 2023. What can we anticipate?
The RBNZ has adopted a hawkish stance, signaling potential rate hikes amidst concerns over domestic inflation - a sentiment echoed by ANZ's Chief Economist, NZ's largest bank.
Contrastingly, the majority of economists have taken a dovish position, cautioning against rate increases. They underscore the impacts of the successive rate hikes (+4.25%) over the past 2.5yrs and the softening underlying GDP, despite robust migration figures.
Adding to the complexity, our Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has characterized the nation's current state as "fragile."
Market sentiment have been oscillating. Wholesale market funding rates experienced a -1.16% decline from 4 Oct to 29 Dec 2023, (refer to 2yr swap rate graphic). However, since then, they have rebounded, increasing +0.57%. Concurrently, retail mortgage rates have seen some reduction but not to the same extent.
Market dynamics are influenced by a plethora of factors, including local and international data releases like employment figures, inflation rates, and GDP growth. Moreover, commentary from influential figures - sometimes referred to as "jawboning" - can significantly sway market sentiment.
Ultimately, the RBNZ holds the reins, but it's far from a predetermined outcome.
If you are seeking independent guidance on your refix, restructuring, or refinancing options, reach out to adviceHQ today.
#advicehq #RBNZ #ocr #interestrates #mortgagerates
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? π»π¨π
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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37.9% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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62.1% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, weβre a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature β and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
π Riddle me this, legends! π
He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?
(Shezz from NgΔruawΔhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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