Mark Smith
Unemployment edges down, wage growth remains muted
The labour market has tightened further, but there's been little change in wages. Audio
Consumer spending
Consumers seem to have been free spending in March, particularly for food and drink. Audio
Retail sales strongest since January
Retail sales have had their strongest growth since the start of the year, driven by higher fuel prices. Audio
Value of building work at 26 year high in Q4
The value of building work done in the final quarter of last year hit a 26-year high, according to official figures release today. Audio
Regions to spur Auckland with property activity - economist
An economist says the tide has turned and the regions will trump Auckland with property activity over the coming year. Audio
ANZ survey shows respectable growth in Q3, solid in 2016
The ANZ Bank's latest survey of regional economies points to modest expansion in the third quarter, with the prospect of a slight lift going into next year. Audio
Inflation expectations retreat
Inflation expectations have weakened, but an economist says the Reserve Bank will hold off on lowering interest rates. Audio
Reserve Bank has room to flex muscle - economist
Meanwhile, an economist says the Reserve Bank has further room to flex its muscles to try and cool the Auckland housing market. Audio
Housing market still has plenty of momentum
The housing market still has plenty of momentum, though economists are expecting growth to slow once investors lending restrictions come into effect in October. Audio
Trade surplus posted in May
Falling crude oil prices have helped the country record a better-than-expected trade surplus. Audio
Terms of trade expected to show weakeness
Economists say New Zealand's purchasing power overseas has resumed is downwards trend, after falling fuel prices proved temporary respite at the beginning of the year. Audio
House prices and volumes rise in April
The housing market has continued to strengthen, led inevitably by Auckland. Audio
Economists expect moderate growth in manufacturing sales
Economists are expecting moderate growth in manufacturing sales this year. Audio
Lowe dairy prices hit manufacturing sales
Lower dairy prices have led to a decline in the value of manufacturing sales, though volumes rose. Audio
Terms of trade fall in December quarter
Fickle global demand is expected to temper future gains in the country's purchasing power with the rest of the world. Audio
Terms of trade fall in December quarter
Falling dairy prices and a lower dollar has weighed on the country's purchasing power with the rest of the world. Audio
Car sales leads higher retail spending
Cheaper cars have helped boost retail spending. Audio
Retail spending edges down
Retail spending with debit, credit and charge cards declined a seasonally adjusted zero-point-4 percent in January, the third successive monthly fall. Audio
Retail spending edges down
Retail spending using electronic cards has edged down for the third successive month, due to falling fuel prices. Audio
Consumers not splurging on spending
An economist says even though consumers have gained a one to one-and-a-half billion dollar windfall from falling petrol prices over the last few months, they're not splurging on spending in other… Audio
