Latest news | MortgageRates.co.nz

Results: Global Economy

People-shaped blocks on a wooden seesaw
29 November 2023

Lower mortgage rates, or higher bank margins?

Declines in fixed interest rates in the US have fed through to some reductions in NZ’s bank wholesale borrowing costs. Will this m...

16 November 2023

Mortgage rates | no spring specials in sight, what’s in store for summer?

Costs for banks to borrow money have decreased. Added with the higher lending rates they provide, can banks afford to start cuttin...

01 November 2023

Is another OCR hike needed to tame inflation?

Some forecasters believe the Reserve Bank will need to raise the official cash rate from the 5.5% level they took it to in May. Bu...

09 August 2023

Interest rates: A puzzle of uncertainty

On August 16, the Reserve Bank will review their 5.5% official cash rate. It's extremely likely that they'll choose to remain at 5.5%, according to Tony Alexander — but what does this really mean for interest rates?

Woman putting a puzzle together
17 July 2023

Reserve Bank puts an end to the OCR hikes – but challenges still lay ahead

The Reserve Bank remains confident there is no need to increase the OCR further — but when will mortgage interest rates begin to fall? New borrowers are still feeling the crunch too, with bank test rates often higher than 9%.

Man standing on the top of rocks
03 July 2023

A shift in inflation forecasting

As one who has been around for three and a half decades commenting on the New Zealand economy and observing offshore markets, I’ve learnt that surprises never stay pointing in the one direction. A key aspect of markets is that they are adaptive.

Car interior, gear stick
22 June 2023

Mortgage rates stay high for the foreseeable future, as global inflation worries continue

Weak exports, household spending lessen chances of another official cash rate hike, but inflation, migration, and fiscal policy changes may delay a rate cut until well into 2024.

Young girl looking at a globe