1 of 1
Story summary
- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) expects rates to remain stable, supporting consumer spending as homeowners refinance mortgages.
- Retail spending and business confidence have risen to an 11-year high, signaling recovery after the end of Covid stimulus.
- The unemployment rate stands at 5.3%, indicating ongoing labor-market challenges.
- Experts urge the government to adopt bold pro-growth policies to sustain momentum, with cautious decision-making during the election.
