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Articles tagged with 'RBNZ'

The turning tide

11 March 2024 - Global central banks are close to starting rate cuts and Kiwibank reckons the RBNZ won’t be far behind.

Survey shows inflation expectations falling – good news for RBNZ

14 February 2024 - Inflation expectations falling back across the board will be welcome news for the Reserve Bank.

NZers adjustment to higher rates about 80% complete: RBNZ

13 February 2024 - New Zealanders with mortgages are about 80% through the process of transitioning to higher interest rates, Chris McDonald, the Reserve Bank's manager of system monitoring and analysis told parliament's finance and expenditure committee.

Doubling down on OCR cuts being some way off

30 January 2024 - Softer economic data does not mean the Reserve Bank is in any hurry to cut the OCR, Paul Conway RBNZ chief economist says.

DTIs will have no significant impact on house prices immediately

23 January 2024 - The Reserve Bank doesn't expect its proposed DTI restrictions to have a significant impact on house prices in the short-term.

RBNZ gives details of new lending rules

23 January 2024 - The Reserve Bank has reveled its proposed debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions alongside plans to loosen loan to value ratios (LVR) for residential lending.

RBNZ to give surprisingly early steer on economy

17 January 2024 - A steer on the state of the economy and the start of OCR cuts could be on the cards for Reserve Bank chief economist Paul Conway’s speech on Tuesday 30 January.

RBNZ: record immigration may mean rates stay high for longer

20 December 2023 - Net immigration has surprised the Reserve Bank on the upside “to the tune of tens of thousands,” raising the prospect that interest rates will have to remain high for longer, chief economist Paul Conway told Parliament's finance and expenditure committee (FEC).

RBNZ tough talk questioned: Give us a breather FANZ says

5 December 2023 - The main message from Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) to the new government is essentially “give us time to breathe.” [READ ON] Meanwhile,...

Record immigration to blame for rates staying higher for longer: RBNZ

30 November 2023 - Those bearing the brunt of rising mortgage rates can blame the impact of record net immigration for interest rates remaining high into 2025 before they're likely to see any relief.

Mortgage lending slows to lower DTI rates

15 November 2023 - As the Reserve Bank gears up to start public consultation at the beginning of near year on debt-to-income (DTI) levels, its latest quarterly DTI figures show In September, $1.6 billion, or 31.1% of $5.2 billion of new mortgage lending was at a DTI of 5.

RBNZ coy on DTIs but plans public consultation

2 November 2023 - Possible debt-to-income (DTI) ratios could be introduced by the RBNZ mid next year.

Household financial stress likely to grow: RBNZ

1 November 2023 - Pockets of financial stress among households are likely to grow in the medium term because of rising debt-servicing burdens, but most mortgage borrowers have kept up with their payments so far, says the Reserve Bank.

New Zealand households more exposed to mortgage defaults

31 October 2023 - Highly-indebted households with large mortgages and little savings buffers face increasing risk of defaulting on their loans, the pre-release of the Reserve Bank’s November Financial Stability Report says.

RBNZ says bank margins are falling on swith to term deposits

17 August 2023 - The Reserve Bank is happier with how the banks are responding to changes in monetary policy than it was, governor Adrian Orr told parliament's finance and expenditure committee.

RBNZ expects lower growth and unemployment but higher CPI

16 August 2023 - While the Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee left its official cash rate (OCR) unchanged at 5.5%, it has raised its forecasts from the first quarter of 2024 through to the September quarter of 2026, implying the OCR will stay at current levels for longer.

Survey signals a more ‘dovish’ RBNZ monetary policy statement

16 August 2023 - The Stats NZ quarterly Household Expectations Survey showing predicted CPI inflation of 6% in 12 months down to 3.3% in two years is expected to be highlighted in today’s Monetary Policy Statement.

Reserve Bank stress tests banks on climate risk

10 August 2023 - With climate-related risks already impacting the financial system, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has made public the test* it is using to climate stress test the five largest banks.

Life insurers well placed if shocks hit their industry and economy

8 August 2023 - The Reserve Bank’s first life insurance industry stress test shows the biggest insurers will be able to withstand severe economic and insurance shocks, while continuing to pay out on policy claims.

Research needed into central banks’ pandemic response

3 July 2023 - Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee external member Robert Buckle says there must be post-pandemic assessments of the performance of central banks during Covid-19.

Hunt on for new Reserve Bank MPC members

19 June 2023 - The Reserve Bank has begun its search for new external members of its Monetary Policy Committee, with two members’ terms due to expire next year.

New data shows steep declines in new mortgage lending

6 June 2023 - New lending fully secured by residential mortgages fell by $798 million in April from March and was down 23% on April last year and was down 45% on April 2021.

RBNZ's Orr says committee isn't divided

25 May 2023 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr rejected the suggestion by Act Party leader David Seymour that the monetary policy committee (MPC) is divided.

Households outlook glum but slightly less so

23 May 2023 - Households continue to feel glum about the housing market with 15.8% concerned about missing a mortgage payment and 15.5% worried about missing rent in the next three months, an RBNZ survey shows.

Don’t expect any Government handout for mortgage repayment stress

4 May 2023 - The Reserve Bank says house prices are still too high and it expects defaults in repayments to rise.

Unpopular LVR rules to be loosened

26 April 2023 - Loan-to-value restrictions are about to be loosened by the Reserve Bank.

Debt-to-income tool finalised by Reserve Bank

3 April 2023 - The Reserve Bank is releasing its finalised debt-to-income (DTI) tool.

Financial sector feedback wanted on climate related guidance

30 March 2023 - The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) is seeking feedback on proposed new guidance for the financial sector on managing climate-related risks.

RBNZ hawkish on inflation

24 November 2022 - Economists say the Reserve Bank's (RBNZ) base interest rate hike was as expected for now, but its forecasts for the future were a surprise.

RBNZ cleared of criticism over handling of pandemic

10 November 2022 - A review by the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has said it dealt with the pandemic well but it still made some mistakes.

Debt to income limits come nearer for borrowers

10 November 2022 - Another limitation on the mortgage industry is inching closer.

Orr re-appointed to Reserve Bank amid strong criticism

8 November 2022 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has been reappointed for another five year term, but some aren't happy.

Surface water and river flooding big risk for property prices

2 November 2022 - Reserve bank stress testing indicates river and surface water flooding may pose an even greater risk to property owners and banks mortgage portfolios than coastal flooding.

NZ Banks “well placed to withstand stagflation” – RBNZ

1 November 2022 - The New Zealand banking sector has got a pass mark from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) for its resilience.

Reserve Bank says climate change programme is vital

20 September 2022 - The Reserve Bank (RBNZ)  has hit back at critics of its policies on climate change.

RBNZ sounds a confident note on inflation

18 August 2022 - The Reserve Bank says it is getting on top of the inflation and expects significant progress by the end of next year.

OCR up again: Ongoing monetary tightening

17 August 2022 - The Reserve Bank explains why it has increased the official cash rate 50 basis points.

Big rise in costs for home owners; Non-banks eating into big banks

17 August 2022 - Mortgage advisers have been given startling estimates of huge costs facing young homeowners as interest rates rise.

Falling home loan rates likely to irk RBNZ

15 August 2022 - Cheaper loans by retail banks provoking the RBNZ to greater determination – economist

A renewed inflation battle expected next Wednesday

12 August 2022 - The RBNZ grapples with the inflation intruder once more on Wednesday and is expected to wield its heavy weaponry yet again.

RBNZ implements another big jump in the base interest rate

13 July 2022 - Another OCR increase and more to come.

RBNZ could consider inequality as well as inflation

3 June 2022 - The Reserve Bank could start considering inequality and climate change when it sets monetary policy in future.

RBNZ expresses concern over state spending

19 April 2022 -  The Governor of the Reserve Bank has fired an oblique shot across the bows of the Government over state spending.

Divided opinion ahead of this week's monetary policy statement by RBNZ

11 April 2022 - Almost everyone thinks Reserve Bank monetary bosses will perform another high jump this week.

ANZ improves its governance: RBNZ

29 March 2022 - The ANZ has improved a key aspect of its governance, according to the Reserve Bank (RBNZ).

The top deck shuffle continues at RBNZ

16 December 2021 - The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has continued its rush of personnel changes at the top.

New Reserve Bank Assistant Governor appointed

1 December 2021 - The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has appointed John McDermott Assistant Governor/General Manager for digital solutions and security.  McDermott has been Acting...

RBNZ reviews banks' risks

1 December 2021 - The risks that banks face which are outside their normal trading activities are being reviewed by the central bank.

Reaction to OCR hike

24 November 2021 - The base interest rate is going up by 25 basis points to 0.75%

House prices materially falling chorus from banks

24 November 2021 - The BNZ has joined Westpac and the Reserve Bank in predicting modest outright falls in house prices, but a large correction cannot be ruled out.

RBNZ adds new option to DTI consultation

24 November 2021 - The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has started consultation on debt-to-income ratios, but added a new, and more sensible option.

Reserve Bank gives more details on DTIs

3 November 2021 - The RBNZ has moved a lot closer to bringing in Debt to Income (DTI) limits on loans.

New Zealanders have one very large egg in their wealth basket

2 November 2021 - Investors with all their eggs in the housing basket is not a good option as house prices are unsustainable, says Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr.

Enforcement framework feedback opens

20 October 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is seeking views on its enforcement framework to promote confidence in compliance across the sectors the bank regulates.

RBNZ restructures

12 October 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand  is changing the structure of its Senior Leadership Team.

New Deputy Governor at RBNZ

8 October 2021 - Christian Hawkesby has been appointed Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank. He will take up the role next year.  Hawkesby is currently Assistant...

Top deck reshuffle at RBNZ

6 October 2021 - January 2022 will see some changes at the top of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand after the resignation of its deputy governor was announced today.

Mixed reactions to OCR increase

6 October 2021 - The RBNZ's move to hike the OCR will prove devastating to many small business, according to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

RBNZ holds back Solvency Standards

5 October 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has postponed the implementation date of the interim Solvency Standard for insurers by a year.

Mortgage rates expected to be at 4% plus within a year

1 October 2021 - ASB economists expect mortgage interest rates to be at just over 4% in a year.

National digital currency/future of cash consultation opens

30 September 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is asking for feedback on two major consultation programmes as part of its "Future of Money" project.

October rate increases to follow recent moves

23 September 2021 - Banks are poised to raise interest rates further next month despite a wave of increases in recent weeks.

Key consultations to protect policyholders

14 September 2021 - If you care about protecting policyholders, you should look at the current consultations being run by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Special mortgage rates flat in August

8 September 2021 - Special mortgage rates held steady in August following a significant increase between June to July, according to new Reserve Bank data.

Reserve Bank deputy on the move

7 September 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will be looking for a new deputy governor when the position is vacated early next year.

Tighter LVR restrictions for owner-occupiers

3 September 2021 - The Reserve Bank plans to tighten LVR restrictions for owner-occupiers as it clamps down on low deposit home loans.

TSB fined $3.5m for anti-money laundering act breaches

31 August 2021 - The High Court at Wellington has fined TSB Bank Ltd $3.5 million after the bank admitted to four breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act).

OCR hikes hit borrowers six months later

30 August 2021 - New research from the Reserve Bank suggests borrowers feel the biggest hit from official cash rate increases six months later.

Fall in real house prices expected by Reserve Bank

20 August 2021 - The Reserve Bank is now predicting house prices will actually start falling from the third quarter of next year.

Reserve Bank predicts fall in house prices

19 August 2021 - The Reserve Bank has predicted that house prices will fall from the third quarter of next year.

Westpac warned for AML failures

11 August 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has issued a formal warning to Westpac NZ for failing to report almost 8000 transactions under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009.

Reserve Bank gets serious about 'risky lending'

3 August 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is looking at ways to tighten up mortgage lending standards in another effort to slow down a rampant housing market.

Once in a lifetime business - Take two

1 August 2021 - Ralph Stewart’s Lifetime Income Group has found an effective way to continue to provide income for life without a guarantee or the need for regulatory capital.

Consultation opens for rollout of Financial Market Infrastructure Act

27 July 2021 - Groups with an interest in financial market transactions and payments are being asked for their views on how a new law governing the ‘plumbing’ of the financial system should be implemented.

Input from insurers on solvency standards

26 July 2021 - The New Zealand insurance industry is being asked to have its say on a proposed interim Solvency Standard for insurers, which will determine the minimum amounts of capital insurers must hold.

Council of Financial Regulators website goes live

21 July 2021 - The Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) – Kaunihera Kaiwhakarite Ahumoni – has created a new website.

Banks keen on crypto conversation

16 July 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is seeking feedback on the potential for a Central Bank Digital Currency as the use of cash continues to decline.

OCR reaction: higher interest rates expected

14 July 2021 - Economists predict the Reserve Bank will soon opt to lift the official cash rate as inflationary pressures grow.

OCR decision revealed

14 July 2021 - The Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate on hold at 0.25%. Here's what the central bank said:

RBNZ issues Relationship Charter survey results

12 July 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand launched the Relationship Charter in 2018 as a step towards achieving its aspiration to build the best possible ‘regulated-regulated’ relationships.

OCR preview survey: economists look ahead

12 July 2021 - Economists say the official cash rate will remain on hold this week, but believe the Reserve Bank could give a signal on imminent rate increases.

Reserve Bank to consult on the future of cash

8 July 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will be consulting New Zealanders over the remainder of 2021 on issues key to the future of how Kiwis pay and save, driven...

Mortgage lending holds up in May

28 June 2021 - Mortgage borrowing hit $8.9 billion last month as investors, first home buyers, and other owner-occupiers remained active despite record house prices and new lending restrictions.

What DTI limits might look like

16 June 2021 - The Reserve Bank has added debt-to-income limits to its regulatory toolkit, and a recent memo from the central bank reveals the potential settings for the new rules if they come into effect.

Debt-to-income limits move closer

16 June 2021 - Debt-to-income limits on lending have moved a step closer to reality after the Reserve Bank added debt serviceability restrictions to its policy toolkit.

Reserve Bank cools on interest-only limits

16 June 2021 - While the Reserve Bank has taken its first steps towards implementing debt-to-income limits, it has played down the chances of introducing interest-only lending limits.

Fresh new look for RBNZ

3 June 2021 - Te Putea Matua - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand - has rebranded itself to "...better reflect our purpose and the mahi we do on behalf of all New...

RBNZ balance sheet almost triples in size

2 June 2021 - Efforts to help reduce interest rates and restore confidence in financial markets have seen the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's balance sheet almost triple in size.

Reserve Bank releases reports into illegal data breach

31 May 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has released the findings of independent reports on an illegal data breach and its handling of sensitive information. Reserve...

Reserve Bank takes High Court action against TSB

27 May 2021 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has filed a statement of claim in the High Court against TSB Bank Limited for acknowledged breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

OCR reaction: Rates set to rise from 2022

26 May 2021 - Economists noted a "tentative shift in tone" from the Reserve Bank as it projected that interest rates may begin to rise from 2022.

Covid could come back to bite Kiwi insurers

11 May 2021 - New Zealand's health and life insurers have weathered the initial storm of Covid-related claims but the Reserve Bank says future outbreaks could change the landscape and providers should be ready.

Reforms to financial market infrastructures (FMIs)

6 May 2021 - New laws reforming institutional investment payment and settlement systems have been established by Parliament with the passing of the Financial Market...

Reserve Bank's housing market fears

6 May 2021 - Recent entrants to the housing market are vulnerable to rising interest rates, and 5% home loans could swallow up 50% of new buyers' household income, according to the Reserve Bank.

Wait on DTIs and interest-only restrictions

4 May 2021 - Mortgage advisers will have to wait a little longer to discover if and when the Reserve Bank will introduce debt to income ratios and interest-only lending curbs, according to economists.

Further evidence of booming market

3 May 2021 - Property lending soared to $10.4 billion in March according to the latest Reserve Bank data – the highest monthly volume on record.

RBNZ joins indigenous banking network

30 April 2021 - Te Pūtea Matua - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand - has become an inaugural member of the new international Central Bank Network for Indigenous Inclusion.

Reserve Bank publishes cyber resilience guidance

28 April 2021 - The Reserve Bank has released guidance for financial institutions about what its expectations are regarding the increasingly expensive problem of cybercrime.

Economists react as OCR kept on hold

14 April 2021 - The Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate on hold, but said it is prepared to push rates lower if required. Economists predict a stable period of low rates ahead.

Record lending in January: Reserve Bank data shows

17 March 2021 - Newly-released data from the Reserve Bank shows that mortgage lending surpassed $6 billion in January, the highest ever total for that month.

Industry feedback refines Insurance Solvency Standards

5 March 2021 - RBNZ has released changes to the Insurance Solvency Standards based on industry submissions received during a consultation launched late last year.

House prices added to Reserve Bank remit

25 February 2021 - The Government has instructed the Reserve Bank to take house prices into account when setting monetary policy, marking a significant shift in the central bank's role in the real estate market.

RBNZ governor wants lower loan rates

24 February 2021 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has called on banks to pass on lower interest rates to borrowers, and has a message for lenders: "We are watching."

RBNZ plots steady course: economists react

24 February 2021 - The Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate on hold but warned "prolonged monetary support" is needed amid the Covid crisis. Here's how economists responded. 

Record December lending

22 February 2021 - December was yet another record-breaking month of mortgage lending in New Zealand, according to newly-published RBNZ data.

Advisers react to LVR changes

10 February 2021 - The Reserve Bank has imposed strict new LVR requirements on investor lending, but advisers say other measures may have been more appropriate to help first home buyers.

Reserve Bank tightens LVR rules for investors

9 February 2021 - Investors will need a 40% deposit to get a mortgage under new rules to be enforced by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Reserve Bank asks for DTIs

11 December 2020 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has asked Finance Minister Grant Robertson to add debt-to-income ratios to its macro-prudential toolkit, as it responds to government pressure on house prices.

Reserve Bank eyes DTIs

26 November 2020 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has revealed that the central bank would like to introduce debt-to-income ratio limits on mortgage lending.

Record October mortgage lending; Is a negative OCR now less likely?

26 November 2020 - Mortgage lending soared to $7.7 billion last month, the highest October figure on record, and further evidence of the red-hot housing market: [READ ON] Finance...

Record October mortgage lending

25 November 2020 - Mortgage lending soared to $7.7 billion last month, the highest October figure on record, and further evidence of the red-hot housing market.

Financial Stability Report: DTI and high-risk lending a concern

25 November 2020 - The Reserve Bank's latest Financial Stability Report highlights rising debt-to-income ratios and high LVR lending as the main risks in the New Zealand mortgage market. 

Finance minister intervenes on house prices

24 November 2020 - Grant Robertson has asked the Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr to consider house price stability when the central bank makes monetary policy decisions, amid growing pressure to curb runaway valuations.

How many people are still asking for home loan help?

24 November 2020 - While it has been several months since our last lockdown, a steady stream of people continue to ask for help on their home and business loans.

Orr has no regrets on scrapping LVR limits

11 November 2020 - RBNZ governor Adrian Orr said the central bank has "no regrets" on scrapping loan to value ratio restrictions, despite a U-turn to reimpose the limits.

Economists react to bank funding programme

11 November 2020 - Economists are divided on whether the Reserve Bank will need to cut the official cash rate further after it launched a new funding programme to push down interest rates. 

OCR decision revealed

11 November 2020 - The Reserve Bank has made its latest official cash rate decision. Here's what the central bank said:

LVR limits set to return; Bank capital rules delayed; How will RBNZ push down rates?

11 November 2020 - The Reserve Bank plans to reintroduce loan to value ratio restrictions on mortgage borrowers from March next year following a surge in the housing market:...

LVR limits set to return

11 November 2020 - The Reserve Bank plans to reintroduce loan to value ratio restrictions on mortgage borrowers from March next year following a surge in the housing market.

What is the Reserve Bank's new plan to cut interest rates?

11 November 2020 - The Reserve Bank is expected to outline plans for its Funding for Lending Programme today, the latest tool to help push down borrowing costs. How will it work? 

Bank capital rules delayed until 2022

11 November 2020 - New rules to force banks to hold extra capital will be delayed until 2022, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced.

OCR to remain on hold: economists

9 November 2020 - Economists expect the Reserve Bank to leave the official cash rate unchanged this week, but suggest more support is on the way for lenders, individual borrowers and businesses.

Record home lending in September

27 October 2020 - Mortgage lending hit $7.3 billion in September, the highest value on record, according to the latest Reserve Bank data, as the market continues to defy expectations. 

Weak inflation means negative OCR: Kiwibank

23 October 2020 - Today's lower than expected inflation figures will force the Reserve Bank to make an aggressive 75 basis point OCR cut in February, according to Kiwibank.

The $50 billion idea that will push down home loan rates

23 October 2020 - ANZ economists predict the Reserve Bank's funding for lending programme (FLP), designed to push down interest rates, could hit $50 billion.

Negative OCR still needed - Westpac

20 October 2020 - Despite fears of an overheated housing market, Westpac economists believe the Reserve Bank will still need to lower the official cash rate next year.

Something’s gotta give on prices

16 October 2020 - House prices are on a relentless march upwards and BNZ is warning that “over-zealous investors” could push them to non-sustainable levels.

LVR limits will return for investors

16 October 2020 - The odds of LVR restrictions returning for investors next year are "fairly high" due to the strength of the residential property market, according to economist Tony Alexander.

Four ways low rates have boosted the market

9 October 2020 - Independent economist Tony Alexander says there are four ways that low interest rates can explain the "current and coming market strength".

Reserve Bank relaunches Insurance Act review

1 October 2020 - After being postponed by Covid, the Reserve Bank today relaunched their review into the 2010 IPSA.

August record for mortgage lending

24 September 2020 - Home lending reached a record high for an August last month, further evidence of the market's resurgence during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

What the Reserve Bank's latest move means for housing

24 September 2020 - The Reserve Bank’s programme to lend directly to retail banks could be ready soon. If it is, that’s likely to mean lower interest rates on loans – and more support for the housing market.

RBNZ bank funding programme imminent: reaction

23 September 2020 - The Reserve Bank has hinted its programme to lend directly to retail banks could be ready by the end of the year, as it takes a more dovish tone on the economy.

RBNZ to talk up negative OCR: preview survey

21 September 2020 - The Reserve Bank is expected to keep the OCR on hold this week, but could highlight the growing chance of a negative central bank rate. 

Economy performing better-than-expected: ASB

7 September 2020 - The New Zealand economy is faring better than expected despite the second lockdown in Auckland, according to ASB economists.

Buyer sentiment at eight year high

28 August 2020 - More people now believe that it is a good time to buy a house than at any other time since 2012, ASB’s latest Housing Confidence Survey reveals.

Borrowing boom in July – before second lockdown

26 August 2020 - Home lending soared to $6.5 billion in July during New Zealand's Covid-free period, reaching its highest level since November last year.

Sub-2% mortgages to boost house prices: ASB

26 August 2020 - Home loan rates will plummet to 2% in the next year, with low rates set to push up house prices, according to ASB.

Investors' market share on the rise

20 August 2020 - Concerns about the rising costs of being a landlord aren’t deterring investors with new data showing that mortgaged investors’ share of purchases surged to a four year high in July.

Mortgage deferral scheme extended to March

17 August 2020 - The Reserve Bank has confirmed the mortgage deferral scheme will be extended until March next year following the second Covid-19 prompted lockdown in Auckland.

Deferral scheme extended to March

17 August 2020 - The Reserve Bank has confirmed the mortgage deferral scheme will be extended until March next year following the second lockdown in Auckland. 

Covid-19 return could derail market boom

14 August 2020 - The housing market was booming in July with price and sales up nationwide, new REINZ data shows, but the return of Covid-19 raises questions of how the market will fare going forward.

Mortgage deferrals to be extended as Reserve Bank tries to push down rates

13 August 2020 - The Reserve Bank, retail banks, and government have agreed in principle to extend the mortgage deferral programme, according to RBNZ governor Adrian Orr:...

Mortgage deferral programme to be extended

12 August 2020 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr says the mortgage deferral programme will be extended beyond September, as the Covid-19 pandemic regains a grip on New Zealand.

Mortgage deferral programme to be extended: Orr

12 August 2020 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr says the mortgage deferral programme will be extended beyond September, as the Covid-19 pandemic regains a grip on New Zealand.

OCR on hold but QE expanded to $100 billion

12 August 2020 - Economists have welcomed the expansion of the Reserve Bank's quantitative easing programme, and say a negative official cash rate is more likely than ever following this week's Covid-19 outbreak.

Mortgage demand picked to decline

16 July 2020 - Banks are expecting a fall in demand for mortgage lending in the second half of 2020, according to a new Reserve Bank Credit Conditions Survey.

Mortgage borrowing rebounds in May

25 June 2020 - New mortgage borrowing rose by roughly $1.6 billion in May as the property market showed signs of recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mortgage borrowing rebounds in May

25 June 2020 - Mortgage borrowing rose by roughly $1.6 billion in May as the property market showed signs of recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown.

QE the preferred tool for lower rates: economists

24 June 2020 - Economists say the Reserve Bank views its LSAP programme as the best way of pushing down interest rates, despite talk of a negative OCR in recent months. 

QE could push mortgage rates even lower: ASB

17 June 2020 - Further quantitative easing from the Reserve Bank would push mortgage rates even lower, according to economists at ASB.

RBNZ 'doing its job'

5 June 2020 - There is industry acceptance of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr raising concerns about life insurer insolvency.

Bank LVR limits on hold

4 June 2020 - Banks have not relaxed loan-to-value ratio limits for investors, despite the Reserve Bank's move to scrap LVR rules.

Resilience needed in face of change

28 May 2020 - The Reserve Bank says the commercial property sector is vulnerable to the Covid-19 crisis. But PMG Funds' chief executive believes that while there’ll be short-term pain, the biggest long-term impact will be structural change.

Life insurers under threat – or are they?

28 May 2020 - The Reserve Bank came out swinging at life insurers in its latest Financial Stability Report, warning that they faced insolvency challenges as low interest rates, minimal growth in premiums and higher rates of cancellation combined.

Reserve Bank governor believes rates can go lower

27 May 2020 - Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr believes banks have "room to go" to push home loan rates below current record lows.

Price expectations spiral down

27 May 2020 - Housing confidence has been dealt a hefty blow by the Covid-19 crisis with house price expectations plummeting to new lows.

Reserve Bank fears loan losses and restructurings

27 May 2020 - Loan losses will rise "materially" in the coming months and households could struggle to service deferred mortgages, the Reserve Bank has warned.

Mortgage lending slumps to record low in April

26 May 2020 - Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level on record last month as the property market ground to a halt during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mortgage lending slumps to record low in April

26 May 2020 - Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level on record last month as the property market ground to a halt during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Downward pressures might push investors out

21 May 2020 - There’s a major housing market downturn coming and it’s likely to reduce the number of investors in the market, according to ANZ economists.

RBNZ wants lower mortgage rates; Rent increase freeze hits

20 May 2020 - Reserve Bank deputy governor Geoff Bascand has piled pressure on banks to slash mortgage rates as wholesale borrowing costs fall: [READ ON] Lockdown restrictions...

Reserve Bank calls for lower mortgage rates

20 May 2020 - Reserve Bank deputy governor Geoff Bascand has piled pressure on banks to slash mortgage rates as wholesale borrowing costs fall.

Markets price in negative interest rates

18 May 2020 - Financial markets have priced in an increased chance of a negative official cash rate after the Reserve Bank mooted the idea last week.

OCR decision revealed

13 May 2020 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate on hold at its record low of 0.25%. Here's what the RBNZ said:

Reserve Bank ends LVR restrictions

30 April 2020 - The Reserve Bank has decided to remove loan to value ratio restrictions for 12 months in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Reserve Bank ends LVR restrictions

30 April 2020 - The Reserve Bank has decided to remove loan to value ratio restrictions for 12 months in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Lending strong – before lockdown

30 April 2020 - The latest Reserve Bank data shows lending remained strong until New Zealand entered lockdown, with $6.1 billion of mortgage lending in March: [READ ON] ...

Lending strong – before lockdown

29 April 2020 - The latest Reserve Bank data shows lending remained strong until New Zealand entered lockdown, with $6.1 billion of mortgage lending in March.

Here's how you can operate at level three

26 April 2020 - Advisers may have a little more freedom about the way they conduct business under alert level three.

Reserve Bank to scrap LVR restrictions

21 April 2020 - [UPDATED] The Reserve Bank is set to remove loan-to-value ratio restrictions on mortgages in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Reserve Bank to scrap LVR restrictions

21 April 2020 - The Reserve Bank is set to remove loan-to-value ratio restrictions on mortgages in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Reserve Bank to monitor LVR breaches caused by Covid-19

9 April 2020 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will monitor breaches of LVR restrictions caused by the Covid-19 crisis, amid fears a recession will push banks past current speed limits.

What lies ahead for the housing market

31 March 2020 - As New Zealand begins to settle into the “new normal” of the Covid-19 lockdown, commentators have started releasing their (tentative) outlooks for the housing market. Here’s a summary of some of them...

RBNZ can't say if or when it may approve AMP Life sale

19 March 2020 - The Reserve Bank said it won't approve AMP Life's sale of its New Zealand life insurance business if it is "not comfortable" with it and said it can't provide a time frame for a decision.

What coronavirus means for property investors

16 March 2020 - Welcome to Fortress New Zealand. The coronavirus crisis means that strict travel bans are now in force and a recession is expected. So what does that mean for property investors going forward?

Banks pass on floating rate cuts after OCR decision

16 March 2020 - Major banks have passed on rate cuts of 0.75% to floating rate borrowers following the Reserve Bank's emergency rate decision.

RBNZ delays new capital rules

16 March 2020 - The Reserve Bank has delayed the introduction of new capital rules for the banking sector in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. 

Emergency OCR cut: economists give their views

16 March 2020 - Economists believe the Reserve Bank will be reluctant to cut the OCR any further after it slashed rates by 75 basis points this morning. 

Housing market powers on – for now

12 March 2020 - New Zealand’s housing market resurgence is showcased in new REINZ data which has the national median price at a new record and sales at a four-year high.

Affordability under pressure - ASB

12 March 2020 - Expectations that house prices will rise are at a three-year high but that means less people think now is a good time to buy a house.

Will mortgage rates fall much further?

9 March 2020 - An official cash rate cut looks increasing likely amid the Covid-19 outbreak, but economists doubt mortgage rates will drop much further than current levels.

Values escape coronavirus contagion

4 March 2020 - There’s no escaping the spectre of coronavirus right now but it hasn’t had an impact on the property market with new QV data showing it continues to strengthen.

Record January home lending

27 February 2020 - Last month saw the highest January home lending volumes since records began, according to the latest RBNZ data. 

Rising house prices glossed over in MPS

13 February 2020 - New Zealand’s housing market is rebounding strongly but the Reserve Bank barely mentioned it in Wednesday’s Monetary Policy Statement (MPS). That’s left one economist asking why.

OCR reaction: RBNZ upbeat on outlook

12 February 2020 - Economists say the Reserve Bank struck a positive tone on growth as it kept the OCR on hold, but fear it may have underestimated the impact of the coronavirus.

OCR decision revealed

12 February 2020 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has kept the official cash rate on hold. Here's what the central bank said: 

OCR Preview Survey: economists say OCR will stay on hold

7 February 2020 - The official cash rate will stay on hold next week, but the Reserve Bank will urge downside caution over the impact of the coronavirus, according to TMM's OCR Preview Survey.

Will the Reserve Bank change course?

3 February 2020 - The Reserve Bank will adopt a more neutral tone on the future direction of the official cash rate this month, according to economists at one major bank.

Mortgage lending strong in December

30 January 2020 - December mortgage lending increased by more than $1 billion year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the Reserve Bank. High LVR lending also...

Mortgage lending strong in December

29 January 2020 - December mortgage lending increased by more than $1 billion year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the Reserve Bank.

Upping the ante on price growth

22 January 2020 - ANZ economists have become the latest commentators to revise up their house price inflation predictions and are now picking 8% growth by mid-2020.

Commercial confidence at three year high

19 December 2019 - Booming regional centres are driving positivity in the market and that’s left commercial property investors more confident than they have been in three years.

Strong market upturn picked for 2020

18 December 2019 - Expect price growth to hit 7% by April 2020 as the housing market continues its emphatic upturn, Westpac’s chief economist says.

Economists revise OCR outlook

16 December 2019 - Leading economists have revised their predictions for the official cash rate next year, predicting less action from the Reserve Bank in the next 12 months.

Record prices see upturn gathering pace

13 December 2019 - New Zealand’s housing market resurgence continues to gain momentum with the latest REINZ data showing record prices around the country.

Warning on borrowing rates

9 December 2019 - The Reserve Bank's new capital regime will lead to greater increases in borrowing rates than its estimate, economists have warned.

Putting the RBNZ's new capital rules into perspective

6 December 2019 - There's been a lot written about the Reserve Bank's new capital rules for banks and some of it seems to miss the mark. Here's Tarawera Publishing managing director, Philip Macalister's, take after hearing from the governor yesterday.

Putting RBNZ's new capital rules into perspective

6 December 2019 - There's been a lot written about the Reserve Bank's new capital rules for banks and some of it seems to miss the mark. Here's my take after hearing from the governor yesterday.

Reserve Bank reveals new capital rules

5 December 2019 - Banks will be forced to raise close to $20 billion in extra capital to comply with the Reserve Bank's new requirements, the central bank revealed today.

LVR speed limits kept on hold

27 November 2019 - The Reserve Bank has kept LVR speed limits on hold amid fears low interest rates "could lead to a resurgence in higher-risk lending".

Investor lending on the increase

26 November 2019 - Latest Reserve Bank data shows Investor lending jumped to its highest level for over a year in October, as overall lending soared last month. 

LVR restrictions to stay put: Westpac

25 November 2019 - Westpac economists believe the Reserve Bank will keep LVR speed limits at their current levels, amid fears over house price stability.

LVR restrictions to stay put: Westpac

25 November 2019 - Westpac economists believe the Reserve Bank will keep LVR speed limits at their current levels, amid fears over house price stability.

Mortgage rates may be at cycle low: ASB

18 November 2019 - It is "quite possible" fixed rate mortgages have hit their lowest point in this cycle, according to economists at ASB.

Record prices round NZ

14 November 2019 - It looks like the sleeping giant of New Zealand’s housing market could be stirring, with new REINZ data showing that both sales and prices in Auckland are up.

Wholesale interest rates rise after OCR decision

13 November 2019 - Wholesale interest rates have jumped after the official cash rate was kept on hold, sparking fears of rising mortgage rates.

OCR reaction: economists surprised but expect 2020 cut

13 November 2019 - Economists were surprised by the Reserve Bank's decision to keep the official cash rate on hold, but expect the central bank to ease rates next year.

OCR decision revealed

13 November 2019 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate at 1%. Here's what the central bank said: 

Reserve Bank capital review: decision date set

11 November 2019 - The Reserve Bank will make a final decision on its proposed new capital rules on December 5, a move that could reshape the banking sector in New Zealand.

MPS likely to echo Australian outlook: Westpac

11 November 2019 - The Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Statement is likely to strike a similar tone to the Reserve Bank of Australia's recent forecast, keeping interest rates on hold and leaving the door open for easing in 2020, Westpac economists say.

OCR Preview Survey: Economists tip another cut

7 November 2019 - Economists predict the Reserve Bank is likely to cut the official cash rate again this week – but are far from certain the central bank will pull the trigger.

Markets price 50% chance of OCR cut: BNZ

5 November 2019 - Financial markets are pricing in a 50% chance of an official cash rate cut next week, down from 90% odds just a week ago.

Reserve Bank points to insurer solvency review

5 November 2019 - The Reserve Bank is flagging the potential for insurers to be required to hold more capital.

Westpac predicts OCR will be put on hold

31 October 2019 - Westpac economists have broken ranks with rival commentators by predicting the Official Cash Rate will be put on hold next week.

Mortgage rates fall by 1.2% in 18 months: ASB

29 October 2019 - Mortgage rates have fallen from 0.6%-1.2% over the past 18 months, but borrowers should plan to deal with higher interest in the long run, according to ASB.

Strong September for home lending

24 October 2019 - Mortgage lending soared in September, according to Reserve Bank data, as banks loosened serviceability tests.

LVR loosening likely - ANZ

23 October 2019 - LVR restrictions were never meant to be a permanent feature of New Zealand’s housing market and ANZ economists argue that some further relaxing of them could soon be on the cards.

House price rally could reduce odds of OCR cut: Westpac

15 October 2019 - A pickup in the housing market could give the Reserve Bank "pause for thought" over further official cash rate cuts, according to Westpac economists.

Three themes a top fund manager is watching closely

13 October 2019 - Markets are full of conflicting message at the moment. In this feature the Harbour Asset Management team explain what's happening and how the are positioning their portfolios.

Weak business confidence will lead to OCR cut

10 October 2019 - Weak business confidence numbers will increase the chances of another Official Cash Rate cut next month, say Westpac economists.

Kiwibank predicts 0.5% OCR cut

1 October 2019 - Kiwibank economists believe the Reserve Bank will cut the Official Cash Rate to just 0.5%, with the possibility of a major cut in November.

Experts support capital review: RBNZ

1 October 2019 - The Reserve Bank says independent international experts support its plan to introduce strict new capital rules for banks.

New listings remain limited

1 October 2019 - There was no uptick in market activity in the first full month after the Reserve Bank’s big OCR cut, with listings still at low levels, realestate.co.nz’s latest data shows.

What really makes a diversified income fund run?

1 October 2019 - It's time to take a proper look under the bonnet and find out what makes a diversified income fund run. Who else better to ask than Mint’s diversified income fund mechanic (ok Portfolio Manager) Marek Krzeczkowski to explain the components that impact the running, and ultimately the performance of these types of funds.

LVR limits slow down investors

26 September 2019 - LVR speed limits continue to have a "strong effect" on investors, according to CoreLogic, after the latest Reserve Bank data showed a drop in investor borrowing.

OCR on hold: November cut expected

25 September 2019 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate at the record low of 1%, but economists predict a cut in November.

LVR speed limits slow down investors

25 September 2019 - LVR speed limits continue to have a "strong effect" on investors, according to CoreLogic, after the latest Reserve Bank data showed a drop in investor borrowing.

OCR decision revealed

25 September 2019 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate on hold at 1%. Here's what the central bank said:

Upward pressure on mortgage rates: ANZ

24 September 2019 - Borrowers still face upward pressure on mortgage rates despite a lower-for-longer outlook on the Official Cash Rate, according to economists at ANZ.

RBNZ needs more resources, not more powers: Bascand

24 September 2019 - The Reserve Bank needs more resources rather than new powers to better fulfill its role as prudential regulator of insurance companies, deputy governor Geoff Bascand says.

NZ banks exposed: S&P

23 September 2019 - Risks in the New Zealand banking system are comparable with Iceland, Ireland and Mexico, according to a new report from ratings agency Standard & Poors.

OCR Preview: economists predict no change

20 September 2019 - Economists believe the Reserve Bank will hold fire on making further cuts to the Official Cash Rate next week, with a further cut more likely in November.

Commission structure may need Govt intervention: FMA

18 September 2019 - An insurance industry reluctant to move on high upfront commissions may find the Government does it for it, the Financial Markets Authority says.

COMMENT: Prospects strong for yielding assets

16 September 2019 - Commercial property can offer investors better options as the search for yields intensifies so NZ Mortgages & Securities director James Kellow provides his rundown on the outlook for the commercial market.

Sales fall highlights sluggish market

13 September 2019 - The Reserve Bank’s dramatic OCR cut in August was meant to prompt a pick-up in the housing market but new REINZ data shows sales have slumped again.

Expect three more OCR cuts – ANZ

6 September 2019 - Ongoing deterioration of the growth and inflation outlook means that ANZ is predicting that the Reserve Bank will cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 0.25% by May next year.

RBNZ says don't believe what banks say about capital

6 September 2019 - Don’t believe what banks say about how much capital they should have to hold, Reserve Bank deputy governor Geoff Bascand told the New Zealand Shareholders’ Association.

Low deposits won’t lead to mortgage free for all

5 September 2019 - 5% deposits for first home buyers – it’s one of the centrepieces of the KiwiBuild “reset” – but advisers are asking whether it will actually make the sort of difference hoped for.

Mortgage servicing rate cuts

2 September 2019 - Several banks have cut their servicing rates recently, with more expected to follow, and advisers believe such changes will mean more for borrowers than low rates do.

Slashing OCR has worked, economist says

28 August 2019 - The OCR is low and poised to get lower but Westpac’s chief economist doesn’t believe that means concerns about a negative OCR are warranted.

Are property investors returning to the market?

26 August 2019 - Property investors are said to be returning to the housing market, CoreLogic says but, if they are, it’s not evident in the Reserve Bank’s latest mortgage lending data.

Low rates boost NZ’s housing affordability

21 August 2019 - Declining house prices and low interest rates have improved housing affordability across New Zealand over the first half of 2019, a new report from Moody’s Investors Service shows.

Stronger market on the cards

13 August 2019 - Those predicting a property market crash might have to reconsider as the latest REINZ data reveals signs of an improving market nationwide, including an increase in sales activity.

DTIs still on the Reserve Bank’s radar

12 August 2019 - Almost half of Auckland first home buyers have mortgages that are over five times their annual income – and that makes debt-to-income (DTI) ratios a hot topic again.

Chicken Little and the falling sky

12 August 2019 - It’s been said to me before, J-P how about looking at the glass being half full? Funny thing is the human brain is naturally a bit pessimistic, 60/40% if the studies I’ve read on the subject are right.

OCR cut could prompt housing market upturn

8 August 2019 - The Reserve Bank’s decision to slash the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 0.5% to a historic low of 1.0% has shocked the financial community, but what could it mean for the housing market?

OCR will fall further: economists react to shock cut

8 August 2019 - The Official Cash Rate could drop to 0.75% or even lower this year, economists say, after the Reserve Bank slashed the OCR by an unprecedented 50 basis points.

OCR will fall to 0.75%: Kiwibank

5 August 2019 - Kiwibank has changed its forecast for the Official Cash Rate and now “expects” the OCR will drop to 0.75% in this cycle.

Economists unanimous on rate cut

2 August 2019 - Economists unanimously agree that the Reserve Bank will cut the Official Cash Rate to 1.25% next week, according to TMM's OCR Preview Survey.

Investor lending flat in June

24 July 2019 - Property Investors borrowed $1.02 billion in June, according to new Reserve Bank data, down from $1.2 billion in June 2018.

The costs of rental policy changes

24 July 2019 - The deluge of policy changes to the regulations governing rental property are a key headwind for the housing market, according to ANZ economists.

BNZ slashes two-year rate to 3.79%

22 July 2019 - BNZ has cut its two-year rate for owner-occupiers to a market-leading 3.79%, and has also slashed rates for investors.

(The Wrap] The anatomy of the AMP shambles

20 July 2019 - Last week it was more woes for ANZ, this week AMP's New Zealand exit plans fell into further disarray.

LVR rules could be permanent

1 July 2019 - LVR restrictions on mortgage lending could be a "permanent setting", according to Reserve Bank deputy governor Geoff Bascand.

The takeover: more mortgages for FHBs

28 June 2019 - First home buyers have now taken over from investors in the mortgage lending stakes, new Reserve Bank data reveals.

OCR decision revealed

26 June 2019 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate on hold at the record low of 1.5%. Here's why.

Banks refuse to release submissions on RBNZ proposals

5 June 2019 - While Westpac has released its submission to the Reserve Bank on the proposed new capital requirements, the other big Australian-owned banks are refusing to follow suit.

LVR restrictions to remain at current level: RBNZ

29 May 2019 - The Reserve Bank has decided against easing loan to value ratio restrictions, and believes current settings "remain appropriate for now".

Investor activity subdued in April

24 May 2019 - Investors borrowed just $988 million in April, down from $1.26 billion in the same month last year, according to new figures from the Reserve Bank.

Small banks fire warning on capital requirements

23 May 2019 - Four smaller banks have warned that the Reserve Bank's new capital proposals could inadvertently widen the competitive gap between them and the big four.

LVR restrictions stabilise property market: RBNZ

22 May 2019 - Loan to value ratio restrictions play a crucial role in promoting financial stability, the Reserve Bank has concluded, following a review of macroprudential policy.

OCR cut to boost market

9 May 2019 - New Zealand has never seen the Official Cash Rate (OCR) go so low. Now commentators are saying it will reignite the cooling embers of the property market.

OCR cut to 1.5%: could it fall even further?

8 May 2019 - The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate to 1.50%, and economists believe we could see a further cut later this year.

OCR Preview Survey: Economists predict cut

2 May 2019 - A majority of New Zealand economists predict the Reserve Bank will cut the Official Cash Rate to a new record low of 1.50% next week, according to TMM’s Preview Survey.

Investor lending weak in March

30 April 2019 - The latest Reserve Bank lending data reveals investors borrowed more than $1 billion in March, the highest figure since November, but a 10% fall on the same period last year.

Investor lending weak in March

29 April 2019 - The latest Reserve Bank lending data reveals investors borrowed more than $1 billion in March, the highest figure since November, but a 10% fall on the same period last year.

NZ banks could face $21bn capital shortfall

10 April 2019 - New Zealand banks could be left with a $21 billion capital shortfall under the Reserve Bank's new capital rules, according to research from investment bank UBS.

Capital rules to have minor impact on interest rates: RBNZ

5 April 2019 - The Reserve Bank believes its capital adequacy proposals will only have a "minor impact" on borrowing rates, amid fears they will cause rates to increase significantly.

Investor slump continues in February

27 March 2019 - The latest Reserve Bank figures show investors borrowed just $886 million in February, down on the same month in 2017 and 2018, as first home buyers narrow the gap.

Investor slump continues in February

26 March 2019 - The latest Reserve Bank figures show investors borrowed just $886 million in February, down on the same month in 2017 and 2018, as first home buyers narrow the gap.

OCR Preview: caution expected

22 March 2019 - Leading economists do not expect a change to the OCR next week, and predict the central bank will maintain a cautious outlook on the domestic and global economy. 

First home buyers close gap on investors

27 February 2019 - January mortgage lending data from the Reserve Bank reveals first home buyers continue to grow their market share, closing the gap on property investors.

First home buyers close gap on investors

27 February 2019 - January lending data from the Reserve Bank reveals first home buyers continue to grow their market share, closing the gap on property investors.

Reserve Bank doubles down on capital proposals

26 February 2019 - The Reserve Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to force banks to hold extra capital, despite criticism from major lenders.

Insurance report to hurt mortgage advisers: Newpark

15 February 2019 - The Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank's damning review of conduct and culture in the insurance industry will a "clear impact" on mortgage advisers as regulatory scrutiny heats up for advisers, says Newpark Home Loans boss Andrew Scott.

Regulators 'may misunderstand' legacy products

14 February 2019 - Regulatory scrutiny of legacy insurance products may highlight a lack of understanding about how the industry works, one insurer says.

Key RBNZ changes edge closer

14 February 2019 - The Reserve Bank has moved closer to putting its "dual-mandate" employment and price stability objectives into law, and has taken further steps to establish a Monetary Policy Committee to make key decisions.

OCR could go up or down in 2021: RBNZ Governor

13 February 2019 - Inflation concerns have prompted the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to push back its forecast for an OCR change to 2021. Governor Adrian Orr reverted to a dovish tone, suggesting "continued supportive monetary policy", and said the next move could be "up or down".

OCR Preview: caution expected from the Reserve Bank

8 February 2019 - Economists do not believe the OCR will change next week, but predict the Reserve Bank will take a cautious stance on future growth, with a number of headwinds for New Zealand and the global economy.

RBNZ banking rules shaping credit markets

5 February 2019 - Changes to banking rules are set to have a meaningful impact on New Zealand’s fixed interest market in 2019

Conduct, culture, and commission

1 February 2019 - The conduct and culture report published by the FMA and RBNZ recently was meant to be all about insurers, but a significant consequence will be felt by advisers.

Advisers told: Get ready for major change

30 January 2019 - Significant change is coming for the life insurance sector this year, after the government vowed to take action on a damning report from the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank.

Investors struggle as first home buyers catch up

29 January 2019 - Investor borrowing slumped to its lowest level since January 2018 in the final month of last year, according to new figures from the Reserve Bank. First home buyers, meanwhile, continue their resurgence in the market, nearly surpassing investors.

FMA gets its wish: Insurance sales incentives to be banned

29 January 2019 - Cabinet has agreed to rid the insurance industry of sales incentives that are driving behaviour that is "not in the best interest of consumers".

Reserve Bank proposals could force $2 billion mortgage hike: UBS

18 January 2019 - The Reserve Bank's new capital proposals could force Kiwis to pay $1.9 billion-$2.7 billion more for their mortgages each year, investment bank UBS has warned.

From FMA to RBNZ

14 January 2019 - A new assistant governor of the Reserve Bank has been hired from the financial markets regulator.

2018 – a year of uncertainty

31 December 2018 - If last year was a year of disruption, this year was one in which the movement towards change took off – and many investors were left floundering and uncertain.

Mortgage lending to investors plummets

21 December 2018 - Investors may not be selling up en masse but they aren’t buying either – going by new data which shows the amount getting mortgage lending has dropped significantly.

Mortgage lending to investors plummets

20 December 2018 - Investors may not be selling up en masse but they aren’t buying either – going by new data which shows the amount getting mortgage lending has dropped significantly.

ANZ predicts 1% OCR in 2020

20 December 2018 - ANZ has predicted the Official Cash Rate will be cut to just 1% in 2020, as it adopts a more dovish outlook on the New Zealand economy.

Heartland outlines cost of RBNZ rules

20 December 2018 - Heartland Bank is the latest lender to respond to the Reserve Bank's radical new capital rules, saying it may have to hold an extra $15 million a year to meet the proposals.

RBNZ proposals will slow credit growth: Kiwibank

17 December 2018 - Reserve Bank proposals for banks to hold significantly more cash on their balance sheets will lead to slower credit growth and rising interest rates, Kiwibank economists have warned.

Climate change insurance threat

30 November 2018 - Sceptical about climate change? If you own coastal property it would pay not to be, both the Reserve Bank and the Insurance Council are warning.

RBNZ clearly has life insurance commission in its sights

28 November 2018 - Insurance advisers' commissions have come in for heavy criticism again, this time from the Reserve Bank. 

LVR easing will prompt modest growth

28 November 2018 - Don’t expect the housing market to take off at a runaway pace following the Reserve Bank’s announcement that the LVR restrictions will be eased from early next year.

LVR loosening: advisers react

28 November 2018 - Advisers say the Reserve Bank’s decision to loosen LVR restrictions will boost homebuyers, but warn tighter credit and loan servicing conditions will restrain volumes.

LVR restrictions eased for investors

28 November 2018 - The Reserve Bank has today loosened the LVR restrictions for both investors and owners-occupiers, with changes coming into effect in January. 

LVR restrictions eased for investors and owner-occupiers

28 November 2018 - The Reserve Bank has loosened LVR restrictions, with changes coming into effect in January. Banks will be able to provide 20% of their owner-occupier loans to borrowers with a deposit of less than 20%. While lenders will be able to allocate 5% of new investor loans to borrowers with less than a 30% deposit. 

First home buyers outshine investors

27 November 2018 -  Investor lending remained flat in October while first home buyers continued their strong resurgence in the property market, latest RBNZ data shows.

FSR Preview: Will the Reserve Bank loosen LVR restrictions?

27 November 2018 - The Reserve Bank will publish its latest Financial Stability Report tomorrow, with all eyes on whether it will loosen LVR restrictions. Some economists "expect" loosening, but others say recent heat in the market could cause the central bank to hold off.

ASB predicts mild OCR cycle

19 November 2018 - ASB's quarterly outlook for the New Zealand economic predicts "sunny skies ahead", with low rates until the second half of 2020 and a peak of just 2.75% in the next OCR cycle.

Rates fall boosting housing market - Westpac

15 November 2018 - Mortgage rates have fallen to record lows recently and the housing market is perking up as result – but it won’t last, Westpac’s chief economist says.

LVR loosening under review: Bascand

14 November 2018 - Reserve Bank deputy governor Geoff Bascand says the central bank is assessing whether current LVR restrictions are appropriate, following a stabilisation in house prices and bank credit tightening.

House buyer sentiment hits 5 year high

12 November 2018 - Growing numbers of New Zealanders think the times are improving for those wanting to buy a house, ASB’s latest Housing Confidence Survey shows.

Job numbers 'cast doubt' on future OCR cut

7 November 2018 - Today's stronger than expected job numbers add further weight against the argument for an OCR cut, economists say. 

Regulators’ report puts spotlight on intermediaries

6 November 2018 - The FMA and Reserve Bank report into banking conduct and culture has raised concerns about the relationship between banks and intermediaries, in a warning sign for mortgage advisers.

Banking review finds weaknesses on conduct

5 November 2018 - New Zealand’s banks are not guilty of widespread misconduct or poor culture issues, an FMA and Reserve Bank review has found, but lenders have been criticised for “significant weaknesses” in the way they handle staff conduct risks.

D-day looming for bank conduct report

2 November 2018 - The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Reserve Bank will be releasing their report into bank conduct and culture in New Zealand banks on Monday.

OCR preview survey: Economists divided on tone

2 November 2018 - Once again, no OCR changes are expected during next week’s MPS announcement. Yet economists are divided on how rising inflation will impact OCR forecasts and the governor's tone.

BNZ profits soar as home loans increase

1 November 2018 - Lender BNZ says statutory net profit rose to $1.09 billion in the year to September, a 10% increase on last year as housing lending grew by over 6%.

Investor lending falls in September

25 October 2018 - Mortgage lending to property investors fell to $1.01 billion last month amid ongoing tightening on interest-only credit, the latest Reserve Bank data shows.

Investor lending falls in September

25 October 2018 - Mortgage lending to property investors fell to $1.01 billion last month amid ongoing tightening on interest-only credit, the latest Reserve Bank data shows.

Time to ease LVRs - ANZ

24 October 2018 - The Reserve Bank’s criteria for relaxing the existing LVRs have been sufficiently met to justify easing them further, according to ANZ economists.

Reserve Bank plans new rules on bank breaches

23 October 2018 - The Reserve Bank has proposed changes to the way banks report regulatory breaches, to place more focus on serious cases.

LVR easing talk grows

12 October 2018 - Investors might soon get a break if the Reserve Bank relaxes the LVR restrictions in its next Financial Stability Report as some economists are suggesting it will.

LVR restrictions could be cut by 5%: Kiwibank

11 October 2018 - The Reserve Bank could loosen LVR restrictions by 5% at next month’s Financial Stability Report, while 10% cut is "possible", according to Kiwibank economists.

Today’s OCR statement

27 September 2018 - The Official Cash Rate will stay at 1.75 percent for now, the Reserve Bank has confirmed. Governor Adrian Orr continued to state the next move could be "up or down".

Investor activity subdued in August

26 September 2018 - August data from the Reserve Bank reveals property investors took a smaller share of overall lending, as first-time buyers also slowed slightly.

OCR to stay at record low: Preview Survey

21 September 2018 - New Zealand’s top economists predict the Reserve Bank will hold the Official Cash Rate next week,  as the central keeps a close watch on GDP growth and inflation.

How low could the OCR go?

18 September 2018 - Economists at lender ANZ believe we could see a 50 to 100 basis point cut in the OCR if the country’s financial data disappoints.

Treasury to begin consultation on second phase of RBNZ review

10 September 2018 - The Treasury will start consultations on the second phase of a review of laws governing the Reserve Bank in November.

Market pricing 50% chance of OCR cut: ANZ

3 September 2018 - The overnight interest rate swap market is pricing in a 50 percent chance of an OCR cut by mid next year, according to ANZ. 

First home buyers strong, investors return in July

29 August 2018 - The latest Reserve Bank lending data shows first time buyer activity remained strong in July, with property investors making a tentative comeback.

OCR to peak at 2.75 percent: ASB

27 August 2018 - Economists at ASB believe New Zealand is set for a long-term low interest rate environment, with the OCR to peak at just 2.75 percent in the cycle.

RESIMAC builds non-bank market share

24 August 2018 - RESIMAC Home Loans took a bigger slice of the non-bank adviser market last year, as overall applications rose by 32%. 

ANZ predicts OCR cut

21 August 2018 - Lender ANZ has reversed its prediction for the OCR rate, predicting the central bank is “more likely” to lower the rate than increase it.

Lower long-term rates predicted

17 August 2018 - Advisers and economists have predicted lower interest rates for longer, after Westpac slashed its five year fixed rate by 60 basis points.

Reserve Bank springs surprise with dovish OCR forecast

9 August 2018 - The Reserve Bank surprised economists by signalling it may keep the OCR rate at 1.75 percent until 2020, pushing back its forecasts in a dovish statement this morning.

What the bank said: OCR unchanged and to stay low for longer

9 August 2018 - The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate at its record low level and it will stay there for longer than previously forecast Here's why.

Watch RBNZ's MPS announcement live

8 August 2018 - The Reserve Bank is due to make its latest announcement on the Official Cash Rate at 9am Thursday.  That will be followed by a Media Conference at...

OCR preview: Reserve Bank tipped to remain cautious

3 August 2018 - Kiwi economists believe Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr will sound a cautious note on the economy next week, with little chance of an OCR rate increase, and an outside chance of a cut.

National signals opposition to monetary policy changes

26 July 2018 - National finance spokesperson Amy Adams has voiced the party’s opposition to giving the Reserve Bank a dual policy mandate.

Mortgage lending falls in June

25 July 2018 - Latest data from the Reserve Bank shows mortgage lending tapered off in June following a strong surge in May.

Bank profits under pressure - KPMG

18 July 2018 - The era of record setting profits for New Zealand banks looks to be over with a new report revealing they saw a significant decline in the last quarter.

Owner occupiers better protected now: RBNZ (+ Report)

17 July 2018 - New owner-occupier mortgage holders have become less vulnerable to a housing market bust, higher interest rates or income loss since the Reserve Bank introduced the LVRs.

OCR words open door for cut

28 June 2018 - Subtle change of tone in this morning’s OCR announcement suggests the Reserve Bank may now be more willing to cut the OCR if need be, commentators say.

Mortgage lending hits two year high

28 June 2018 - Mortgage lending is flying in the face of the cooler housing market with Reserve Bank data showing May saw the highest level of new lending in nearly two years.

OCR to stay on hold

25 June 2018 - Don’t expect to see a change to the OCR this week as economists predict the Reserve Bank’s song will remain the same for a long time.

Banks get visit from regulators

22 June 2018 - Regulators say the joint Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank review of conduct and culture in the New Zealand banking sector is progressing rapidly.

Kiwis back shared equity schemes

21 June 2018 - Many New Zealanders would support government-backed "shared equity schemes" to help first home buyers, as they struggle with high prices across the country.

KiwiSaver boosts first home market: ANZ

11 June 2018 - ANZ has seen a near five-fold increase in the number of borrowers using KiwiSaver funds for a home deposit.

Next phase of RBNZ review likely to assess DTIs

7 June 2018 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has confirmed the second phase of a review into the Reserve Bank Act will look at its macro-prudential toolkit, likely to include debt-to-income ratios for home loans.

Regulators: no "evidence" to warrant NZ banking commission

30 May 2018 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Financial Markets Authority have not seen “evidence of widespread, systemic issues” to warrant an inquiry into the country's financial services industry, the two regulators said in a statement today.

LVR easing not on cards

30 May 2018 - Hopes that the Reserve Bank might be gearing up to ease the LVRs further have been dashed by this morning’s Financial Stability Report (FSR).

Latest RBNZ figures reveal first time buyer boom

24 May 2018 - Last month, first time buyers took their highest share of the mortgage lending market in over a decade, according to new figures from the Reserve Bank.

Applause for OCR call

10 May 2018 - New Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has earned plaudits from economists for his first OCR announcement this morning – even though the decision itself was not a surprise.

All eyes on Orr in lead-up to OCR call

4 May 2018 - Thursday’s monetary policy statement (MPS) is the most keenly anticipated Reserve Bank outing in many months – but it’s due to the new Governor, not the OCR outlook.

NZBA rejects Australia comparisons and pledges reforms

2 May 2018 - The New Zealand Bankers' Association has rejected comparisons between the New Zealand and Australian banking sectors in the wake of the Royal Commission into Australian financial services, outlining reforms to “maintain public trust”.

Mortgage borrowing rise to be “short-lived”: Westpac

30 April 2018 - Economists at Westpac say the recent uptick in mortgage lending for owner-occupiers and property investors is likely to be “short-lived”.

Owner-occupier and investor lending jumps in March

27 April 2018 - Mortgage lending to property investors, first-time buyers, and other owner occupiers rose in March, according to figures published today by the Reserve Bank.

LVR a “permanent tool”: RBNZ Governor

20 April 2018 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's new governor believes restrictions on loan to value ratios will be a “permanent tool” for the central bank.

RBNZ: new PTA an “evolution”

12 April 2018 - The Reserve Bank will not drastically change its monetary policy after adding employment outcomes to its price stability targets, RBNZ Assistant Governor John McDermott said in a speech today.

LVR changes impact on lending

27 March 2018 - The slight easing of the LVRs appears to be encouraging investors into mortgages with new Reserve Bank data showing a pick-up in lending to investors.

No need to fear RBNZ’s new PTA

26 March 2018 - The Reserve Bank will now have to consider employment outcomes when setting monetary policy but this may have less impact than feared, experts say.

Spirit of caution in OCR call

22 March 2018 - Don’t expect interest rates to start rising anytime soon as the Reserve Bank’s decision to leave the OCR at 1.75% today makes it clear they remain on hold.

Westpac expects government policy to "cool" housing market and GDP

19 March 2018 - Lender believes housing plans will slow spending and economic growth

OCR call takes backseat

16 March 2018 - Changes are looming for the Reserve Bank and that has pushed OCR decisions into the background – despite a pending announcement next week.

Acting RBNZ Governor reignites DTI ratio debate

14 March 2018 - Outgoing Grant Spencer calls debt servicing ratios “natural complement” to existing system

Low interest rates set to continue

8 February 2018 - Interest rates look set to remain low for a considerable amount of time following the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) and OCR call this morning.

OCR holding pattern to continue

2 February 2018 - Measured restraint will be the tone of the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement next week, with economists unanimously expecting the OCR to stay on hold.

New low for investor mortgage share

30 January 2018 - Investors are continuing to feel the pinch of policy restraints with new data showing another drop in their take up of new mortgage lending.

Mortgage lending bounces back up

22 December 2017 - There’s evidence of the housing market’s Spring rebound in the Reserve Bank’s latest mortgage lending data – but it’s not property investors who have significantly upped their borrowing.

Nearing an end to the NZ Goldilocks?

12 December 2017 - Markets, both in New Zealand and globally, have experienced "goldilocks" conditions for the past five years of low inflation and solid economic growth.

New RBNZ Governor announced

11 December 2017 - NZ Super Fund CEO Adrian Orr will be the new Reserve Bank Governor from 27 March 2018, Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced today.

Inflation problem for RBNZ

5 December 2017 - If inflation doesn’t pick up by late 2018 interest rate cuts could again be on the cards, according to the Reserve Bank.

LVR changes won’t prompt market frenzy

4 December 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s easing of the LVRs could give some upward momentum to house prices but economists are not expecting the market to take off again.

DTI proposal on hold

29 November 2017 - Controversial debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) have been put on the back-burner by the Reserve Bank – for the foreseeable future.

LVR easing sooner than expected

29 November 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s decision to start relaxing the LVR restrictions early next year, which was announced in today’s Financial Stability Report, has taken economists by surprise.

RBNZ to ease LVR restrictions

29 November 2017 - The Reserve Bank says it will make some slight easing of the LVR restrictions from January 1. 

LVR speculation rife ahead of FSR

28 November 2017 - Expectations that the Reserve Bank might loosen the LVRs in this week’s Financial Stability Report (FSR) are running high, but economists don’t think it will happen – yet.

Staunch opposition to DTI proposal

24 November 2017 - Opposition to the inclusion of debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) in the Reserve Bank’s macro prudential tool kit is widespread, the bank’s own consultation reveals.

Sunny MPS surprises some

9 November 2017 - Optimism was the order of the day today, with RBNZ releasing a Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) that was most notable for its positivity.

RBNZ OCR announcement

9 November 2017 - The Reserve Bank has left the Official Cash Rate at 1.75%. Here's what the new Governor had to say. [READ ON] We will be live streaming the press conference...

Time for Normalisation?

6 November 2017 - BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis contemplates the Reserve Bank's next move and suggests maybe it it time for normalisation.

Looking ahead with new government

20 October 2017 - New Zealand’s new government will be a Labour-NZ First coalition, supported by the Green Party, and that means changes are looming that advisers need to be aware of.

Growth outlook overshadows OCR call

28 September 2017 - New Zealand’s lower economic growth was acknowledged by the Reserve Bank in its OCR statement today – which means there's a chance their next call could be more doveish.

RBNZ announces OCR decision

28 September 2017 - Acting governor Grant Spencer reveals what was behind the Reserve Bank's decision.

Caution to dictate OCR call this week

25 September 2017 - Uncertainty is bubbling beneath the surface of monetary policy but, despite this, economists expect the Reserve Bank to leave the OCR on hold at 1.75% this week.

Peters as Kingmaker: What next for investors?

25 September 2017 - New Zealand may be on tenterhooks waiting for New Zealand First leader Winston Peters' coalition decision, but investors do not have cause to worry ... yet, commentators say.

No case to end LVRs – S&P

14 September 2017 - There is no case for the Reserve Bank to relax the LVRs as the housing market remains a risk to New Zealand’s banking system, according to Standard & Poors.

LVRs still needed - RBNZ

30 August 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s LVRs are not expected to be a permanent measure but they are not going to be removed in the near future, outgoing Governor Graeme Wheeler said in a speech today.

Investor lending exodus

25 August 2017 - It is investors, not first home buyers, who are bearing the brunt of the LVRs and retreating from the borrowing arena, new Reserve Bank data shows.

LVRs are not going anywhere

21 August 2017 - There is no compelling case to roll back the Reserve Bank’s LVRs despite the slowing of the housing market, according to Westpac economists.

PM rules out DTI ratio idea

16 August 2017 - Prime Minister Bill English has ruled out allowing the Reserve Bank to bring in debt-to-income ratios. It had suggested limiting loans to no more than five times borrowers’ incomes.

No dovish nod to future for RBNZ

10 August 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s OCR statement made it clear hikes are a long way off but its tone was still far less dovish than economists were expecting.

Future could hold OCR cuts

6 August 2017 - Think the OCR will stay on hold this week? So do economists – but some also say there is growing scope for the Reserve Bank to cut again.

Bumpy lending ride continues

26 July 2017 - Evidence that investors dependent on mortgages are exiting the property market in significant numbers looms large in the latest Reserve Bank data.

Hawkish talk foreshadows rate rises

5 July 2017 - Tightening talk is coming from central banks around the world – although not New Zealand’s – and that means more interest rate movement is on the cards.

Insurers could do better: FSC

3 July 2017 - Insurers have work to do to better comply with their disclosure requirements, the Financial Services Council says.

Investor lending decline continues (+GRAPH)

28 June 2017 - Investors’ share of new mortgage lending dropped again in May although the amounts loaned were up, new Reserve Bank lending data reveals.

Game of watch and wait for OCR

22 June 2017 - Watchful caution is guiding the Reserve Bank’s policy so it will need strong evidence before it makes any change to the OCR, economists say in response to this morning’s OCR call.

Verdict in on this week's OCR call

16 June 2017 - Any change to the OCR on Thursday would stun economists who are unanimous in thinking that it will be left firmly on hold.

DTIs would cut thousands out of market

8 June 2017 - Around 11,000 people a year could be prevented from buying properties if the Reserve Bank was to deploy debt-to-income ratios (DTI), the Bank has estimated.

RBNZ renews push for DTIs

31 May 2017 - UPDATED: Ongoing risks posed by the housing market mean the Reserve Bank is set to start consulting on the addition of debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) to its policy toolkit.

Investor lending remains in check

24 May 2017 - Restraints on the housing market are still doing their job with new residential mortgage lending down again in April, according to the Reserve Bank’s latest lending data.

Surprise at RBNZ’s OCR outlook

11 May 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the OCR at 1.75% was expected, but economists are surprised at its projection the OCR will remain on hold until late 2019.

No change to OCR: What RB said today

11 May 2017 - The Reserve Bank today left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 1.75 percent. Global economic growth has increased and become more broad-based over...

OCR held again, here's why

11 May 2017 - The Reserve Bank has left the OCR unchanged. Here is what governor Graeme Wheeler said. [READ ON] ...

Even tougher lending rules on the cards

8 May 2017 - The Reserve Bank is conducting another review of banks' capital requirements and a view is emerging it will make getting a home loan even tougher. [Read...

Interest-only loans come under the spotlight

11 April 2017 - Australia’s interest-only loan crackdown could lead to a tightening up on the rules in New Zealand.

Changing times for interest rate setting

11 April 2017 - Interest rate decisions could soon be made somewhat differently after both National and Labour suggest changes for the Reserve Bank are on the cards. [Read...

Major changes for Reserve Bank?

10 April 2017 - Interest rate decisions could soon be made somewhat differently after both National and Labour suggest changes for the Reserve Bank are on the cards.

Lending growth will slow – S&P

6 April 2017 - Recent increases in mortgage rates are set to continue, but this will help ease the risks house price inflation poses to New Zealand banks, Standard & Poors says.

Reaction: OCR - 'Nothing to see here'

23 March 2017 - Interest rates look set to remain low for some time following a Reserve Bank OCR announcement this morning which was as expected and determinedly neutral, according to economists.

What the RB governor said

23 March 2017 - The Reserve Bank today left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 1.75 percent. Macroeconomic indicators in advanced economies have been positive over...

Next to no chance of OCR cut

17 March 2017 - Spotting the difference will be the name of the game in next week’s OCR announcement – with economists across the board agreeing the Reserve Bank will make no changes.

Auckland affordability a credit negative - Moodys

8 March 2017 - Poor housing affordability in Auckland is a credit negative for New Zealand covered bonds backed by mortgages in the city, according to a global ratings service.

DTIs should be in RBNZ toolkit - IMF

7 March 2017 - Debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) and the redirection of tax incentives away from housing would help tackle the risks posed by New Zealand’s housing market, the IMF says.

Interest rate risk equally balanced: RBNZ

2 March 2017 - UPDATED: There’s equal probability that the next OCR move could be up or down as the risks around inflation are evenly balanced, the Reserve Bank governor says.

Slow down in investor lending quantified

1 March 2017 -   Reserve Bank's latest mortgage lending data and highlights the housing market's slowdown.

Decline in investor lending continues

27 February 2017 - Ongoing downward trend in investor lending is exposed by the Reserve Bank’s latest mortgage lending data, which highlights the housing market’s slowdown.

Debt-to-income ratios on hold...for now

10 February 2017 - The Reserve Bank governor has said they will not be implementing debt-to-income ratios right now to curb the housing market. READ MORE.   ...

DTIs not needed right now - RBNZ

9 February 2017 - The Reserve Bank would not implement controversial debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) right now if it had them in its macro-prudential toolkit, the bank’s governor says.

OCR hike expectations premature

9 February 2017 - Markets have got ahead of themselves in OCR hike expectations – and the Reserve Bank’s OCR announcement this morning makes that clear, the experts say.

DTIs cost benefit analysis ordered

8 February 2017 - Another obstacle has been placed in the Reserve Bank’s path towards the introduction of debt-to-income ratios (DTIs).

Questions over future RBNZ policy

8 February 2017 - Future Reserve Bank policy targets – and their wider impact - is the topic on many lips following the announcement the bank’s governor will step down later this year.

OCR cut not expected

3 February 2017 - It’s a unanimous verdict: economists en masse expect the OCR to stay on hold next week – and for many months after that.

Quiet on the investor lending front

31 January 2017 - Investor lending activity is clearly more subdued reveals the latest mortgage lending data, which adds emphasis to the picture of a much slower housing market.

OCR hike to come - later

24 January 2017 - The Reserve Bank’s next OCR move is likely to be up – although it won't be for a while, a new HSBC report says.

Surprise spike in mortgage lending

21 December 2016 - Evidence that the effect of the latest LVR restrictions might be diminishing comes in new data which reveals a big jump in mortgage lending – including to investors.

OCR hikes on the horizon

21 December 2016 - The OCR has troughed and the risks are now skewed to OCR hikes from the middle of next year, according to one major bank.

Progress of DTIs stalls

13 December 2016 - Prospective debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) have hit a stumbling block on the road to their arrival due to Finance Minister Bill English’s ascension to Prime Minister.

Housing market NZ’s biggest domestic risk - RBNZ

8 December 2016 - New Zealand’s highly charged housing market is the biggest domestic economic risk facing the country but no change to the OCR is on the horizon, the Reserve Bank governor says.

DTI ratios not expected any time soon

2 December 2016 - Concerns about the increase in debt relative to incomes mean the Reserve Bank want the tools to address the issue, but economists don't expect to see them...

DTIs not in the near future - economists

30 November 2016 - Concerns about the increase in debt relative to incomes mean the Reserve Bank want the tools to address the issue, but economists don't expect to see them introduced anytime soon.

Downbound trend for investor lending

24 November 2016 - There is now little doubt that the new LVR restrictions are having a significant impact on property investor activity, with lending in this area slumping to new lows.

Post-earthquake OCR cut unlikely

18 November 2016 - Don’t expect the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR again following the earthquakes earlier this week - despite the damage and disruption they have caused, economists say.

DTIs not on the cards yet - RBNZ

10 November 2016 - The Reserve Bank might want debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) as part of its arsenal but it doesn’t intend to introduce them into the regulatory mix at this stage.

US election casts shadow over OCR response

10 November 2016 - Spectre of US election result looms over reaction to this morning’s OCR cut, but economists say it is too soon to say what impact it might have on the Reserve Bank’s future moves.

OCR cut no surprise

10 November 2016 - Reserve Bank switches to a more neutral stance as it cuts interest rates.

OCR to hit lowest point this week

4 November 2016 - A historic low is looming for the OCR this week but it could be the trough of the cycle, with most economists predicting the cut will be the last.

Inflation pressure off - slightly

2 November 2016 - Pressure on the Reserve Bank to keep cutting the OCR has been alleviated by the results of the Bank’s latest inflation expectations survey.

Fall in investor lending continues

27 October 2016 - New investor-focused LVRs have led to a free fall in bank lending to investors, the Reserve Bank’s latest mortgage lending data reveals.

Next OCR cut to be the last - ANZ

26 October 2016 - The OCR should trough at 1.75% in November as the Reserve Bank’s next cut is likely to be the last one in the current cycle, ANZ has suggested.

Prospect of DTIs looms larger

25 October 2016 - Controversial debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) have moved a step closer.

OCR projections replace 90-day bank bill rate

25 October 2016 - Greater clarity should come from the Reserve Bank decision to replace the 90-day bank bill rate with OCR tracking projections in its monetary policy statements (MPS).

Inflation result won’t stop OCR cut

18 October 2016 - Inflation was slightly above forecasts in the September quarter, but the result is not likely to deter the Reserve Bank from cutting the OCR next month.

Tough lending times for investors

11 October 2016 - Funding costs are getting steeper for investors as banks charge higher margins and the lending environment tightens, mortgage brokers are warning.

Steep decline in investor lending

26 September 2016 - New Reserve Bank mortgage lending data leaves little doubt that the new investor-targeted LVRs have had a significant impact on bank lending to investors - lending to Auckland landlords dropped by almost 20%.

OCR call sticks to the script

22 September 2016 - Keeping the OCR on hold was the move expected of the Reserve Bank today, but economists say it means there will be another cut in November.

OCR cut not on the cards - yet

16 September 2016 - Don’t expect another OCR cut this week: economists are uniformly predicting the Reserve Bank will leave the OCR on hold, but cut later this year.

New LVR rules clarified, confirmed

5 September 2016 - Greater clarification of the details surrounding new lending requirements has come today with the Reserve Bank’s confirmation of its latest investor-targeted LVRs.

Lower mortgage rates unlikely - ANZ

1 September 2016 - The Reserve Bank is likely to cut the OCR further, but borrowers shouldn’t expect mortgage rates to keep pace with the cuts, it has been suggested.

RESIMAC takes the lead

29 August 2016 - RESIMAC has cut its variable rate to take a market leading position. See how it stacks up here where we have sorted the rates table from lowest to highest...

Rising pressures impact on Kiwibank

26 August 2016 - Competitive market and increasing funding costs mean Kiwibank has experienced a small drop in its annual after tax profits.

Reserve Bank tells insurers data not good enough

25 August 2016 - Insurers have been given a warning that they need to start offering the Reserve Bank better data – or face sanctions.

Looming LVRs impact on mortgage lending

24 August 2016 - New LVR restrictions seem to be affecting mortgage demand already, with the Reserve Bank’s latest residential lending data showing a big dip in mortgage lending

Expect OCR cut in November - economists

24 August 2016 - Further OCR cuts are looming strongly on the horizon in the wake of the Reserve Bank’s speech yesterday, economists have said.

House prices growing risk for banks – S&P

23 August 2016 - Skyrocketing house prices mean New Zealand banks are facing increased economic risks and will now have higher risk weights, a global ratings agency has said.

Reserve Bank defends interest rate stance

23 August 2016 - Lowering the OCR risks further fuelling house price growth but the Reserve Bank believes it has been a necessary trade-off to prevent a decline in inflation expectations.

New LVR start date delayed

12 August 2016 - The Reserve Bank has delayed the start date of new LVRs aimed at investors from 1 September to 1 October 2016, following banking industry feedback.

Borrowers unlikely to see full cut

11 August 2016 - Reserve Bank expects this morning’s OCR cut to be passed on to, but that's unlikely to happen. ANZ has already said it is only passing on one fifth of the central bank's cut to its customers.

More cuts on the horizon

11 August 2016 - Lack of surprise greeted the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut today and economists say further cuts have now been clearly signposted.

Little doubt OCR cut coming

5 August 2016 - Rare consensus reigns on the OCR forecast front with economists across the board expecting the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR next week.

Reserve Bank signals more OCR cuts

21 July 2016 - The Reserve Bank says more official cash rate cuts are likely as it fights to get inflation into its target range.

Boom, boom, boom; Three banks move

20 July 2016 - Just a day after the Reserve Bank signals tougher new lending rules for property investors, three banks and another lender move. However, ANZ, which wants...

Crackdown on investor lending

19 July 2016 - The Reserve Bank has today released a consultation paper proposing changes to loan-to-value restrictions (LVRs) in the midst of the current property boom...

Warnings fly following RBNZ proposal

8 July 2016 - Frantic investor buying and increased squeeze on the rental market could be the end-result of further LVRs, investor advocates are warning.

OCR quandary for RBNZ

5 July 2016 - The Reserve Bank has a quandary on its hands as two alternative scenarios it painted for future OCR decisions are both playing out at the same time,

Record high mortgage lending

29 June 2016 - Mortgage lending was up again in May and nearly half of it was in interest only loans, the Reserve Bank’s new, more detailed lending data reveals. Read...

Mortgage lending hits record high

27 June 2016 - Mortgage lending was up again in May and nearly half of it was in interest only loans, the Reserve Bank’s new, more detailed lending data reveals.

Brexit means August OCR cut likely

27 June 2016 - It’s early days yet but economists agree that Brexit has upped the odds for the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR in August.

Scam email targets finance sector

14 June 2016 - If you get an email purporting to be from the Reserve Bank, asking you to click a link to view “new transaction guidelines”, ignore it. RBNZ is warning...

LVR restrictions stopped $20 bill of lending

9 June 2016 - The Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says the LVR restrictions introduced by the bank have been "very successful".

Financial stability reason for unchanged OCR

9 June 2016 - The Reserve Bank may have left the OCR unchanged – due to a more upbeat economic assessment - this morning, but economists continue to expect a further cut to come.

OCR holding - Economists

3 June 2016 - Next week’s OCR announcement will be a close call if any movement will be made. Read here what the economists are predicting.  ...

OCR calls favour hold

3 June 2016 - Not so long ago most economists were picking that another OCR cut would be announced at next week’s Reserve Bank meeting, but now the mood has changed.

OCR on hold till August - HSBC

30 May 2016 - Strong growth and a booming housing market mean that HSBC now expects the Reserve Bank to hold off on an OCR cut until August.

Budget unlikely to change Reserve Bank views

27 May 2016 - It’s been described as a no surprises, boring Budget, but what might Budget 2016 mean for interest rates?

Investors dominating housing market

27 May 2016 - New Reserve Bank lending data leaves little doubt that investors are busy in the current market. Read more. ...

Investors’ mortgage lending share up

26 May 2016 - New Reserve Bank lending data leaves little doubt that investors are busy in the current market.

Tactical guessing game

24 May 2016 - Reasons for the Reserve Bank not to cut the OCR in June are compelling but it’s a guessing game, according to some economists.

LVR measures on the horizon

11 May 2016 - Further LVR restrictions may be off the table for the time being, but economists still believe more macro-prudential measures are on the way.

Housing market still RBNZ's headache

11 May 2016 - The Reserve Bank is still worried about the housing market, particularly in Auckland, but has decided not to impose any further lending restrictions -...

RBNZ still thinking about ways to slow the housing market

11 May 2016 - The Reserve Bank is still very worried about the housing market, particularly in Auckland, but has decided not to impose any further lending restrictions - for now.

Investors under fire

10 May 2016 - All eyes are on the Reserve Bank’s upcoming Financial Stability Review (FSR) as rising house prices and the minimum rental standards debate have left...

OCR cuts imminent

29 April 2016 - Leaving the OCR on hold was the right decision, but there will be further cuts down the track, economists say. Read more.  ...

OCR hold right call – for now

28 April 2016 - Leaving the OCR on hold today was the right decision, but there will be further cuts down the track, economists say.

Rise in investor lending reflects strong market

28 April 2016 - More evidence of the surging strength of the housing market comes in new data showing mortgage lending, including to investors, is up across the board.

Odds against OCR cut

22 April 2016 - An OCR cut this week is a live call, but most economists think the Reserve Bank will wait a bit longer before cutting again.

More restrictions on the way?

20 April 2016 - Auckland’s reinvigorated housing market, along with the ongoing strength of regional markets, has left economists suggesting further Reserve Bank restrictions...

Are more housing market curbs on the agenda?

19 April 2016 - Speculation over the prospect of further restrictions on the housing market has been growing, but the Reserve Bank is remaining silent.

Later rather than sooner for OCR cut

19 April 2016 - The Reserve Bank’s juggling act has not become any easier despite signs that inflation may have bottomed out. Economists say an OCR cut was still likely...

CPI shows signs of levelling out

18 April 2016 - The Reserve Bank’s juggling act has not become any easier despite signs that inflation may have bottomed out.

Giving inflation a chance

18 April 2016 - A key theme for markets moving into 2016 has been the persistence of low inflation, and the battle facing central banks to avoid low inflation becoming embedded within the expectations of households and businesses.

RBNZ lock-ups scrapped following leak

15 April 2016 - The RBNZ will no longer have embargoed lock-ups for news media and analysts ahead of announcements on interest rate decisions, monetary policy statements...

RBNZ confirms OCR leak

14 April 2016 - The Reserve Bank has confirmed that a journalist leaked information on the March OCR decision ahead of the official release.

OCR - will it stay or will it go?

14 April 2016 - It's just over a fortnight now until the Reserve Bank makes its next Official Cash Rate announcement. After the surprise cut last time and a mixed bag...

Insurance rules get review

13 April 2016 - Regulation governing the insurance sector in New Zealand is to be reviewed.

Predicting the RBNZ's next OCR announcement a head scratcher

13 April 2016 - It's just over a fortnight now until the Reserve Bank makes its next Official Cash Rate announcement. After the surprise cut last time and a mixed bag of economic news since then, economists are scratching their heads to try and predict if the OCR will stay at 2.25% or be cut.

Cut to boost or hike to slow?

4 April 2016 - The Reserve Bank conundrum - should it cut rates to boost inflation, or hike them to slow borrowing? Read more.  ...

Kiwibank takes aim at two-year term

29 March 2016 - Kiwibank has cut some if its fixed rates. It's two-year Special is now one of the best in the market. To see how it compares see the rates table sorted...

RBNZ to investigate alleged OCR leak

24 March 2016 - The Reserve Bank has launched in investigation into an alleged leak of its recent Official Cash Rate announcement. The bank says “an allegation has been...

Investor lending picks up

24 March 2016 - Lazy, hazy days of the summer market are over as new data shows investor lending is on the rise again.

More OCR cuts to come - ASB

21 March 2016 - Further OCR cuts will be needed for the Reserve Bank to get the economic stimulation it needs, ASB predicts.

No role for politicians in OCR uproar - experts

16 March 2016 - Banks’ reluctance to pass on last week’s OCR cut may not be popular, but commentators agree it is far from surprising – and politicians shouldn’t get involved.

Inflation key for interest rates

14 March 2016 - An ongoing decline in inflation expectations could mean interest rates drop further, but some are nervous about the trade-offs involved.

Full OCR cut should be passed on: McLachlan

11 March 2016 - Co-Operative Bank led the field in cutting its floating interest rate following the OCR announcement but it wasn't a planned move to be first off the block, chief executive Bruce McLachlan says.

Timing of OCR cut surprises

10 March 2016 - There is widespread surprise that the Reserve Bank has cut the OCR again so soon.

What the Reserve Bank said today

10 March 2016 - The Reserve Bank today reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 2.25%. The outlook for global growth has deteriorated since the December...

New head of currency for RBNZ

7 March 2016 - The Reserve Bank has appointed Steve Gordon as its new head of Currency, Property and Security (CPS).

OCR cut this week unlikely

7 March 2016 - There’s little doubt further OCR cuts are on the way, but most economists see a cut this week as unlikely.

Looming impact of global funding costs

1 March 2016 - ANZ is warning mortgage rates may not fall as far as the OCR because of rising bank funding costs.

ANZ changes position on OCR cuts

29 February 2016 - Another major bank has joined the OCR cut camp – with ANZ today predicting two more cuts this year.

Downward trend for investor lending

25 February 2016 - Recent slowdown in Auckland’s housing market seems to be reflected in new data which shows a big drop in investor lending.

Scope for OCR cut - English

25 February 2016 - Reserve Bank still has room to move and cut the OCR if it needs to, finance minister Bill English says.

Volatility, regulation don’t hold back banks

24 February 2016 - Neither global volatility or new LVR regulations prevented the banking sector from turning in record profits in 2015, according to the latest KPMG Financial Institutions Performance Survey.

Inflation expectations fall sharply

17 February 2016 - Marked decline in inflation expectations could be crucial for OCR outlook, one major bank says.

Dropping rates should boost slow growth

16 February 2016 - There will be a slow start to 2016 for New Zealand’s economy – which adds to the case for further OCR cuts, according to ASB.

Expect lower mortgage rates in six months: Stephens

15 February 2016 - Home loan interest rates are likely to be lower in six months’ time than they are today, Westpac’s chief economist says.

Forecasts not commitment - RBNZ

5 February 2016 - Don’t mistake transparency and regular guidance as commitment to a certain policy path, the Reserve Bank warns. Read here.  ...

Forecasts not commitment - RBNZ

4 February 2016 - Don’t mistake transparency and regular guidance as commitment to a certain policy path, the Reserve Bank warns.

OCR cut outlook shifts

4 February 2016 - Views on the prospect of an OCR cut have shifted following the Reserve Bank governor’s speech and the release of new labour data yesterday.

RBNZ governor: Immediate cuts not the way to go

4 February 2016 - Responding to low inflation with immediate interest rate cuts is not the way to go, the Reserve Bank says. Read here.  ...

Flexibility key to RBNZ policy

3 February 2016 - Responding to low inflation with immediate interest rate cuts is not the way to go, the Reserve Bank says.

Investor lending recovers

29 January 2016 - Impact of new tax and LVR measures for investors may be less profound than hoped, new lending data suggests.

RBNZ signals OCR cuts looming

28 January 2016 - Nobody was surprised by the Reserve Bank’s announcement this morning that the OCR will remain unchanged at 2.5%.

No change to OCR. Here's what was said

28 January 2016 - OCR unchanged. Here's what the Reserve Bank said.  [Read On] ...

NZ economic outlook downgraded

27 January 2016 - Weaker prices for agricultural exports have led Fitch Ratings to revise New Zealand’s growth outlook down.

OCR cuts to come – but not now

25 January 2016 - Inflation forecasts are the key theme in economists’ predictions for Thursday’s official cash rate call from the Reserve Bank.

Mortgage lending grows

22 December 2015 - Increase in mortgage lending goes against the prevailing trend of slowing growth, new analysis says.

New proposal for banks off-quarter reporting

21 December 2015 - Changes to banks’ off-quarter disclosure requirements are the subject of a new Reserve Bank proposal.

Reluctance to cut may be wrong

10 December 2015 - Predictions of further cuts and analysis of changes in tone flow following the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut this morning.

Odds are on an OCR cut

4 December 2015 - Expectations of a cut to the OCR next week are riding high – although some economists have divergent theories.

New normal threatens RBNZ tactics

2 December 2015 - NZIER says the Reserve Bank should give up inflation-targeting.

Big drop in investor lending

26 November 2015 - New tax and loan-to-value (LVR) ratios seem to have significantly dented bank lending to investors.

The birth of the Retirement Income Group

23 November 2015 - New Zealand is about to launch its first variable annuity with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. The product design is mindful of the lessons from the financial crisis in the US, Europe and Japan.

More OCR cuts to come

16 November 2015 - Weakness in the dairy sector means OCR cuts are on the way, ASB says.

Housing market still a risk - RBNZ

11 November 2015 - There are no Reserve Bank plans for further investor restrictions, despite its housing market concerns.

Financial Stability Report released

11 November 2015 - The Reserve Bank has released its Financial Stability Report today. The country's financial system continued to perform well, despite a deterioration in...

Risks facing financial system have increased

11 November 2015 - The Reserve Bank released its Financial Stability Report this morning. Here's what they said about it:

RBNZ pushes pause on OCR

29 October 2015 - The Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold at 2.75% this morning but economists say the Governor’s comments on the currency are his key message.

OCR: What the governor said

29 October 2015 - The Reserve Bank this morning confirmed the widely-held view that the OCR would remain unchanged for now. Here is what governor Graeme Wheeler had to say.

Decline in high LVR lending to investors

27 October 2015 - Bank lending to investors is already showing the effects of the Reserve Bank’s new loan-to-value (LVR) restrictions, which come into force at the beginning of next month.

No cut expected for OCR

23 October 2015 - Change to the official cash rate (OCR) is unlikely this month although some economists think it should be cut, a mortgage.co.nz survey reveals.

More OCR cuts likely – despite housing concerns

14 October 2015 - Global economic concerns mean more “easing” of the OCR is likely, even though this could further fuel the already-hot housing market, the Reserve Bank Governor has said.

Global factors make for low rates

28 September 2015 - Low interest rates look set to continue as the Reserve Bank’s annual report emphasises the importance of maintaining a flexible monetary policy in the face of global economic challenges.

Further OCR cuts to come

10 September 2015 - Mortgage rates may yet have further to fall, after the Reserve Bank’s cutting of the OCR to 2.75% today.

Lending up but profits flat

7 September 2015 - New Zealand’s five major banks* profits flattened in the second quarter of 2015, although lending growth continued, according to a new analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

Investors increasing Auckland price pressure – RBNZ

24 August 2015 - Growing investor demand for Auckland property has exacerbated the price pressures arising from the underlying supply shortage, the Reserve Bank says.

LVR restrictions tweaked

21 August 2015 - Sharper loan-to-value restrictions for Auckland investors should never have happened in the first place, it was argued today, as the Reserve Bank announced a little more leeway.

Property prices to blame for S&P downgrade

18 August 2015 - Rampant Auckland property prices – as opposed to the banking and finance system itself - are to blame for Standard & Poor’s downgrading of New Zealand’s risk assessment.

More OCR cuts are on the way - RBNZ

29 July 2015 - The Reserve Bank has confirmed that further OCR cuts are likely to be needed.

No surprises in Reserve Bank's move

23 July 2015 - Little surprise followed the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut this morning - and further cuts are now generally expected to come this year.

OCR cut to 3%

23 July 2015 - New Zealand's softening economic outlook and low inflation has led the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR to 3% today.  

OCR cut on the cards this week

17 July 2015 - Predictions of multiple OCR cuts by the end of the year are coming thick and fast - with the next one expected on Thursday.

Falling business confidence points to... OCR cuts

7 July 2015 - A sharp decline in business confidence has led ASB to formally join the economists predicting three more OCR cuts by the end of the year.

Westpac predicts three more OCR cuts this year

6 July 2015 - Another three OCR cuts are on the way, thanks to darkening economic clouds, according to one of the major banks.

Falling dairy prices to prompt OCR cuts

2 July 2015 - OCR cut predictions have taken a big step up following the latest fall in dairy prices.

Banks net interest income falls - PwC

24 June 2015 - A decrease in the net interest income of New Zealand’s major banks reflects the current highly competitive lending environment.

OCR cut prompted by falling dairy prices

11 June 2015 - The Reserve Bank cut the OCR to 3.25% today after their concerns about dairy prices outweighed their Auckland housing market concerns.

OCR cut

11 June 2015 - The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR to 3.25% today. Here is what the governor Graeme Wheeler said.

OCR cut; Floating rates follow

11 June 2015 - The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR. Here is what the governor Graeme Wheeler said  [READ ON] You can watch the Webcast of the announcement here Following...

One economist calls for OCR cut this week; others say wait

8 June 2015 - Expect the Reserve Bank to leave the OCR unchanged next week – despite many recent forecasts that cuts are likely this year.

New LVR rules to cut Auckland house price inflation

4 June 2015 - Up to 4% could be shaved off Auckland’s house prices - thanks to the Reserve Bank’s new LVR rules. Tighter LVR restrictions for Auckland investors...

RBNZ hits Auckland property investors

13 May 2015 - Auckland property investors now have to have a 30% deposit to buy a rental under new rules proposed by the Reserve Bank. Here is what the bank said.  Read...

RBNZ outlines case for interest rate cut

30 April 2015 - In this morning's OCR announcement the Reserve Bank said it has not plans to increase interest rates and also outlined what would need to happen for it to cut rates.

What the Reserve Bank said

30 April 2015 - The OCR this morning has, as predicted stayed unchanged, and it will stay that way for sometime. However, Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler also outlined what would need to happen for a rate cut to occur.

RBNZ rate cut unlikely – for now

24 April 2015 - With the Reserve Bank’s next Official Cash Rate (OCR) announcement due on Thursday, a mortgagerates.co.nz survey of economists reveals many believe a downward bias is creeping into the RBNZ’s thinking.

OCR unchanged – but housing market remains hot topic

12 March 2015 - The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate (OCR) at 3.5% and maintained a neutral stance in its statement, but the Auckland housing market was a dominant topic at the RBNZ’s briefing this morning.

What the Reserve Bank said

12 March 2015 - Here is what the Reserve Bank's governor Graeme Wheeler had to say about interest rates and the economy today.

No surprises expected in OCR this week, but plenty to look for

9 March 2015 - No surprises are expected in the Reserve Bank’s upcoming official cash rate (OCR) and monetary policy statements this Thursday.

Reserve Bank comes up with new definition for property investors

5 March 2015 - Property investors are the target of a new Reserve Bank lending restriction, but the bank says it’s not a macro-prudential tool.

Decent environment for investors: Tuffley

29 January 2015 - The Reserve Bank has today left the OCR unchanged at 3.5%, but has shifted to an explicitly neutral stance that is likely to keep interest rates low for some time yet.

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Full Rates Table | Compare Rates

Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
AIA - Back My Build 6.19 - - -
AIA - Go Home Loans 8.74 7.24 6.79 6.65
ANZ 8.64 7.84 7.39 7.25
ANZ Blueprint to Build 7.39 - - -
ANZ Good Energy - - - 1.00
ANZ Special - 7.24 6.79 6.65
ASB Bank 8.64 7.24 6.79 6.65
ASB Better Homes Top Up - - - 1.00
Avanti Finance 9.15 - - -
Basecorp Finance 9.60 - - -
Bluestone 9.24 - - -
Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
BNZ - Classic - 7.24 6.79 6.65
BNZ - Green Home Loan top-ups - - - 1.00
BNZ - Mortgage One 8.69 - - -
BNZ - Rapid Repay 8.69 - - -
BNZ - Std, FlyBuys 8.69 7.84 7.39 7.25
BNZ - TotalMoney 8.69 - - -
CFML Loans 9.45 - - -
China Construction Bank - 7.09 6.75 6.49
China Construction Bank Special - - - -
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special - 7.04 - -
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 8.40 7.24 ▼6.79 ▼6.65
Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
Co-operative Bank - Standard 8.40 7.74 ▼7.29 ▼7.15
Credit Union Auckland 7.70 - - -
First Credit Union Special - 7.45 7.35 -
First Credit Union Standard 8.50 7.99 7.85 -
Heartland Bank - Online 7.99 6.69 6.45 6.19
Heartland Bank - Reverse Mortgage - - - -
Heretaunga Building Society 8.90 7.60 7.40 -
HSBC Premier 8.59 - - -
HSBC Premier LVR > 80% - - - -
HSBC Special - - - -
ICBC 7.85 7.05 ▼6.75 6.59
Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
Kainga Ora 8.64 7.79 ▼7.39 ▼7.25
Kainga Ora - First Home Buyer Special - - - -
Kiwibank 8.50 8.25 7.79 7.55
Kiwibank - Offset 8.50 - - -
Kiwibank Special - 7.25 6.79 6.65
Liberty 8.59 8.69 8.79 8.94
Nelson Building Society 9.00 7.75 7.35 -
Pepper Money Advantage 10.49 - - -
Pepper Money Easy 8.69 - - -
Pepper Money Essential 8.29 - - -
Resimac - LVR < 80% 8.84 8.30 7.89 7.69
Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
Resimac - LVR < 90% 9.84 9.30 8.89 8.69
Resimac - Specialist Clear (Alt Doc) - - 8.99 -
Resimac - Specialist Clear (Full Doc) - - 9.49 -
SBS Bank 8.74 7.84 7.45 7.25
SBS Bank Special - 7.24 6.85 6.65
SBS Construction lending for FHB - - - -
SBS FirstHome Combo 6.19 6.74 - -
SBS FirstHome Combo - - - -
SBS Unwind reverse equity 9.95 - - -
Select Home Loans 9.24 - - -
TSB Bank 9.44 8.04 7.55 7.45
Lender Flt 1yr 2yr 3yr
TSB Special 8.64 7.24 6.75 6.65
Unity 8.64 6.99 ▼6.79 -
Unity First Home Buyer special - - 6.45 -
Wairarapa Building Society 8.60 7.15 6.85 -
Westpac 8.64 7.89 7.49 7.25
Westpac Choices Everyday 8.74 - - -
Westpac Offset 8.64 - - -
Westpac Special - 7.29 6.89 6.65
Median 8.64 7.29 7.32 6.65

Last updated: 14 March 2024 9:32am

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