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RBNZ to hold the OCR at 1.75% - Westpac

Analysts at Westpac, expect the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to hold the OCR at 1.75%, but with a stronger signal that the next move in interest rates will be up.

Key Quotes

“Inflation is now close to the 2% target midpoint, though partly due to some temporary factors that are likely to fade over the next year. The challenge for the RBNZ now is to keep inflation on target over the medium term.”

“The economy is growing steadily, but not at a pace that suggests the RBNZ needs to hit the brakes. And higher mortgage rates have already had a noticeable impact on house prices and consumer spending.”

Author

Sandeep Kanihama

Sandeep Kanihama

FXStreet Contributor

Sandeep Kanihama is an FX Editor and Analyst with FXstreet having principally focus area on Asia and European markets with commodity, currency and equities coverage. He is stationed in the Indian capital city of Delhi.

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