There are no shortages of people wanting to go on the record as to when property prices will rise again. But there is a certain curiosity about their logic. What if housing doesn't remain a one-way bet on even shitty houses in mediocre spots?
You might have been confused to see several banks reduce fixed mortgage rates last week, while at the same time columnists are saying the Reserve Bank will lift the official cash rate by 50 basis points on Wednesday.
Benje Patterson assessed the economic impact of biking and mountain biking in Queenstown Lakes. The report showed that biking accounts for $157.6 million of spending and is already more than a third the size of the ski economy.
Hordes of Sydney residents are upping sticks and heading for the good life in the regions. It’s interesting to see that the same trend is also happening on this side of the Tasman. What do we have in common?
I am spreading my wings across the ditch in Sydney this week. It’s interesting to be on the ground in another country where there is a sense of déjà vu against some of the trends we are also seeing in New Zealand.
Here are a few points of note of relevant initiatives in Budget 2022 that might have direct implications for the work of people in economic development agencies.
For me Budget 2022 is not so much about whether the spending itself adds to inflation or not, it’s more a question of delivery. My gut tells me it would be better to focus on doing a few changes well, rather than biting off more than you can chew.
Inflationary expectations are becoming unhinged, with businesses’ expectations of inflation two years out running at their highest level in more than 30 years (since 1991)!
Unemployment is at a record low. Do I trust the precise number - hell no, do I trust the general tenor of what the unemployment result is pointing towards - heck yes.
The sharp increase in non-tradeables inflation worries me because it is the canary in the coal mine for the inflationary mindset that is becoming engrained in business decision-making.
With borders reopening, it is interesting to take a look at whether early signs are pointing towards New Zealand gaining or losing residents and short-term visitors? The answer to date is that the signs are not yet clear.
It was a pleasure to record a podcast with Andy Thompson last week. In a wide-ranging discussion we focused on inflation and the potential implications for interest rates within New Zealand.