Pressure on Reserve Bank to increase rates again

Statistics New Zealand figures show the consumer price index rose 0.6 per cent in the September quarter from the June quarter and was up 2.5 per cent from a year ago.

Economists said the result met expectations and ensures Reserve Bank governor Allan Bollard will have no choice but to increase the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 6.5 per cent on October 28.

Another rate rise in December was also on the cards as inflation threatened to nudge through the top end of the central bank's target zone of 1 to 3 per cent early next year, they said.

A seventh rate hike in less than 12 months would push floating mortgage rates close to 9 per cent and suck further heat out of the housing market, which is already showing signs of slowing.

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