Dominick Stephens

Economists here say the government should not follow Australia's lead, with a widespread stimulus package to counter the economic hit from the coronavirus.

Yesterday Australia's Prime Minister… Audio

News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

A brief update of movements in the financial sector. Audio

Westpac expects the Reserve Bank will cut the official cash rate at least twice before the end of the year. Audio

House prices are expected to spike over the next year, but increases are expected to be short-lived. Audio

Workers are increasingly worried about getting a pay rise in the coming year, as younger workers find it more difficult to get a job in a tight labour market. Audio

The housing market is expected to weaken further, led by soft prices in northern regions. Audio

The number of New Zealanders out of work has risen by 10-thousand, reversing a shocking drop in unemployment last year. Audio

Horticulture is being called the new dairy, as its contribution to the economy grows. Audio

Economic conditions have shifted around the regions with a distinct improvement in Auckland and Waikato, while Canterbury remains in the doldrums. Audio

Local economists have stress-tested what implication volitle oil prices could have on inflation here. Audio

Regions in the bottom half of the South Island are the most confident about the economy's future. Audio

Economic confidence in Bay of Plenty rose sharply with 47-percent of households expecting the region to prosper over the coming year. Audio

Westpac's Chief Economist says a slight fall in consumer confidence is more to do with a general malaise among households than any specific worries or events. Audio