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MR - Experts Views

Market still looking for early interest rate rises

Tuesday 10th of November 2009

The announcement of a "huge" lift in the dairy payout forecast for the current season by Fonterra - an increase of 95 cents per kilogram of milk solid - means the rural economy is likely to be in much better shape than anticipated, it says. This news comes as Quotable Value's monthly house price measure "edged" into positive annual growth at 0.2%.

The ASB economists add that the "surprisingly strong" lift in house prices over the last six months is likely to make the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, the Westpac Weekly Commentary highlights the toll the recession has taken on New Zealand's labour market, following last week's Household Labour Force Survey release for the September quarter. It revealed the unemployment rate had jumped 0.5% to hit 6.5%.

It also reiterates its previous statement that with floating and one-year fixed mortgage rates at similar levels, there may look to be little advantage in fixing right now. However, those that wait to see the "whites of the RBNZ's eyes" are likely to face much less attractive options, it says.

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