Tariff headlines will remain a focal point this week, with the pause between the US and China due to to expire on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump also plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska, as he looks to broker a ceasefire agreement and bring an end to the war…

This year, the focus of Money Month is on emergency funds. Whether you’re aiming to have 3 – 6 months of savings set aside for unforeseen expenses or prefer the security of 12–18 months, one thing remains constant; these funds should be kept in liquid, low-risk investments. Cash or short-term term deposits are ideal. The…

New Zealand’s inflation rate picked up in the June quarter, with the headline consumer price index (CPI) rising at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent. That’s the highest in a year, and it was slightly above Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) forecasts. The RBNZ won’t be too bothered by this, as it would’ve…

Trade and tariffs will in focus again this week, with the new US tariffs set to take effect on Thursday. Here in New Zealand, the highlight will be the June quarter labour force report, which is out on Wednesday. Economists expect the unemployment rate to increase to 5.3%, the highest since 2016. This is likely…

Produced in association with our strategic partner J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The outlook for the US economy depends on how President Trump’s policy agenda plays out. Tariffs, taxes and interest rates will be closely watched by all. A big policy shock The tariffs announced by President Trump on “Liberation Day” sent financial markets into a…

Should I pay off the mortgage faster, or use that extra cash to invest? This is always a common question, and it’s especially relevant today. While mortgage rates are way down from the highs of 2023, borrowing costs are still above the average of the past 15 years. If you prefer to listen to a…

A massive week looms for investors. Trade negotiations will remain front and centre, with markets particularly focused on developments between the US and the European Union, as well as talks between the US and China. Outside of trade, there is no shortage of economic releases and central bank decisions for investors to digest, including the…

The country has dragged itself out of recession and mortgage rates have been falling for 18 months. However, against conventional wisdom the long-awaited housing market recovery still hasn’t arrived. Sales volumes have been on the up, with the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reporting a 20.3 per cent increase in the number of…

Here in New Zealand, the June quarter inflation report will be the key release this week. Markets are bracing for an increase in the annual inflation rate to 2.8%, the highest in 12 months and above Reserve Bank expectations. Elsewhere, the international earnings season will ramp up after a good start, with more than 100…

Mortgage rates have slumped more than two per cent over the past 18 months, but don’t expect much more relief. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 3.25 per cent last week, as was widely expected by economists and financial markets. This was the first “no change”…