Interest rates tipped to rise again
Wednesday 8 September 2004
Interest rates are heading up tomorrow and probably again in October because the economy is booming and commodity export prices are high, economists say.
By The Landlord
But there is likely to a sharp slowdown next year, they said.Most bank economists are picking Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard to lift the official cash rate from 6 per cent to 6.25 per cent tomorrow, and what would be the sixth increase of the year, again in October.
The economy has grown much faster than expected this year, expanding 2.1 per cent in the March quarter, according to Bank of New Zealand economists. That compared with the Reserve Bank June forecast of just over 1 per cent.
That meant the economy was running at near full stretch, increasing the risks for inflation. Unemployment is running at just 4 per cent and retail spending is strong, both signs of a bustling economy.
Read More - Opens in a new window
Commenting is closed
Property News
ComCom warning for property trader
A property trader, who has attracted unfavourable media attention in recent years, has received a formal warning from the Commerce Commission.
House Prices
No stopping Capital price rises
There’s no sign of a slow-down in Wellington’s property prices with Trade Me Property’s latest data showing that asking prices continue to rise solidly.
Commercial
Demand challenges for commercial sector
Vacancy rates in the commercial property sector are set to increase as changing economic conditions dampen demand.
