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New Zealand's Agriculture Sector Performing 'Incredibly Well' Despite Global Developments, ANZ Says

New Zealand's agriculture sector is performing "incredibly well" despite developments overseas, as farmgate prices for beef, lamb, mutton, and wool currently stand at or near record levels, ANZ said in a new report.Dairy prices have remained strong for two consecutive seasons, with both the end of the last season and the beginning of the new season looking positive even in the face of robust global milk production. Meanwhile, the wine, forestry, and grains sectors are still struggling to some extent due to oversupply, low prices, and elevated production costs.ANZ warned, however, that the picture remains volatile, with the possibility of conflict reigniting in the Middle East and the US government again advancing a tariff agenda. Additionally, a 'super' El Niño weather pattern is expected to develop in the second half of the year, which will likely have a negative impact on pasture growth."As things stand, the worst of the oil shock seems to be behind us, even though the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed," the bank said. "But even if a resolution was to be found soon there will still be slow-rolling shockwaves washing up on rural New Zealand's shores for at least the next year."Higher fuel and fertilizer prices, elevated borrowing costs, and logistical challenges are among the most pressing issues facing the country's agriculture industry, according to the report.

Three NZ Central North Island Regions Post All-Time High New Rental Listings in May

Three of New Zealand's Central North Island regions recorded all-time high new rental listings in May, according to a report by realestate.co.nz released on Wednesday.New listings in Gisborne doubled year on year, rising 102.2% to 91 in May from 45 in the same period last year, while Hawke's Bay recorded a 26.5% increase with 129 new listings.Manawatū-Whanganui's new listings were up 17% year on year to 399.Meanwhile, Otago recorded 48.9% year-on-year decline in new rental listings, falling to 156 from 305. The region's stock also declined by almost 46.7% in May 2025 to 192 total rental listings.Additionally, Southland's new listings declined by almost 23.7%, although its stock levels increased 6.7% compared to the same time last year.In Wellington, total rental stock fell nearly 24.8% year on year in May to 845 properties from 1,123, and new listings declined 12.1% over the same period to 567 from 645.

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Asia5d ago

NZX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Durables Sector Soars, Distribution Services Sector Struggles

Consumer durables shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising past 9% on Wednesday.Shares of KMD Brands (NZE:KMD, ASX:KMD) rose past 9% in recent trade.Meanwhile, shares of the distribution services sector fell past 5%.Shares of Vulcan Energy (NZE:VSL, ASX:VSL) were nearly 7% lower in recent trade.

Westpac Expects New Zealand GDP to Rise 1% in the March Quarter

Westpac said it expects New Zealand's gross domestic product to rise 1% in the March quarter, with seasonal distortions adding about 0.4 percentage points, according to a Wednesday report by the bank.Manufacturing, household spending, and tourism were the standout contributors to growth in the quarter, the bank said, adding that the Iran conflict had yet to visibly weigh on activity, with any impact more likely to emerge in the June quarter.Westpac said it is unclear if the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy committee will really be affected by the GDP figures, even if it is the only major data to come before their July 8 decision.Westpac said its estimate aligns with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's forecast in its May Monetary Policy Statement.

ANZ Raises Q1 GDP Growth Forecast for New Zealand

New Zealand's economy is now expected to grow 1% sequentially in the first quarter, ANZ said in a Wednesday report as it raised its 0.9% preliminary growth forecast.The quarterly gross domestic product figures are due for release on June 18. If the growth is in line with ANZ's forecast, it will boost the prospects for an interest rate hike in July, the bank said.It appears that the economy was gaining momentum before fuel prices surged due to the Middle East conflict. While data suggests the momentum has slowed since the first quarter, it looks "more like a stall than an abrupt contraction at this stage," the bank said."Industries exposed to tourism, agriculture, and discretionary spending are likely to show the most growth, though construction likely went backwards, based on the work put in place data," ANZ said.The bank expects New Zealand's annual current account deficit to be unchanged at 3.7% of GDP.

New Zealand Light, Heavy Traffic Decline in May, Says ANZ

New Zealand's light and heavy traffic fell in May as higher fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict weighed on demand and discouraged driving, ANZ Research said Wednesday.According to the ANZ's NZ Truckometer data, the light traffic index, a measure of movement in motorbikes, cars and vans declined by 0.2% last month, but was still up 0.4% year on year, reflecting reduced demand and a loss of economic momentum.While heavy traffic data, which tracks mostly trucks and buses, fell 1.3% in May but was up 1.9% year on year, signaling softening production even as the overall trend remains upward.

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Asia6d ago

New Zealand Shares Rise; Ryman Healthcare Launches NZ$100 Million Six-Year Retail Bond Offer

New Zealand shares ended higher on Tuesday amid a broad-based rally in Asian shares as investors showed optimism after Iran and Israel halted attacks.The S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 1.27%, or 165.84 points, to close at 13,204.08.Iran and Israel said they had stopped attacks on each other following an appeal from US President Donald Trump. However, Tehran warned it will resume hostilities if Israel continues striking Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to a Monday Reuters report.About eight flights were cancelled at Wellington Airport in New Zealand due to strong winds and massive waves hitting the capital city, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.In domestic news, total actual filled jobs in New Zealand inched down to 2.26 million in the March quarter from 2.27 million in the December 2025 quarter, according to data published by Stats NZ.Also, New Zealand spending on a per-person basis on Westpac-issued debit and credit cards fell 0.3% in May, adjusted for seasonal swings, with spending effectively tracking sideways since the start of the year, according to a Westpac report.Further, New Zealand national average home values in May reached NZ$912,190, 0.3% higher in the three months to the end of May and 0.2% less than the same period in the previous year, according to the QV House Price Index.Meanwhile, New Zealand business financial data industries reported sales of NZ$200 billion in the March quarter, up 5.3%, or NZ$10 billion, from the March 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ.In corporate news, Ryman Healthcare (ASX:RYM, NZE:RYM) launched an offer for up to NZ$100 million of six-year fixed-rate secured unsubordinated bonds maturing on June 22, 2032, with the potential to accept up to NZ$50 million in oversubscriptions.Channel Infrastructure (ASX:CHI, NZE:CHI) completed a fast-tracked project at its Marsden Point Energy Precinct, making 93 million liters of diesel storage capacity available to the New Zealand Government.

Asia6d ago

NZX Midday Sector Update: Transportation Advances, Commercial Services Fall

Transportation shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising almost 2% by midday Tuesday.Auckland International Airport (NZE:AIA, ASX:AIA) gained past nearly 3% in recent trade.Meanwhile, the commercial services sector fell 1%.PGG Wrightson (NZE:PGW) was down nearly 1% in recent trade.

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New Zealand Card Spending Falls 0.3% in May, Says Westpac

New Zealand spending on a per-person basis on Westpac-issued debit and credit cards fell 0.3% in May, adjusted for seasonal swings, with spending effectively tracking sideways since the start of the year, according to a Tuesday Westpac report.The bank said fuel spending declined as petrol prices eased, although prices remain well above pre-conflict levels, while grocery spending also eased modestly as buyers shifted toward essentials over discretionary items amid cost-of-living pressures.May saw a bounce in travel-related spending, but it remains well below levels seen in early 2026, while spending in restaurants and on takeaways picked up again, aided by the easing in fuel prices, the report added.Despite the pickup in hospitality spending, many operators reported tough trading conditions, and spending on other entertainment activities continued to ease, it added.

New Zealand National Home Values in May Just 0.2% Lower Year-over-Year, QV House Price Index Says

New Zealand national average home values in May reached NZ$912,190, 0.3% higher in the three months to the end of May and 0.2% less than the same period in the previous year, according to the QV House Price Index released on Tuesday.This was 14.2% below the market's previous peak in early 2022.The figures pointed to a housing market that remained broadly stable but which was increasingly patchy around the edges, QV spokesperson Simon Petersen said. "There's a steady supply of houses for sale and enough buyers to meet the market, but not nearly enough competition to drive prices upward in any major way."However, relative affordability and a strong local economy are helping to support demand in parts of the South Island, especially in and around Invercargill and Southland in general, Petersen added.The Auckland region's average home value was unchanged at NZ$1.2 million in May, 22.3% below its previous peak, and 2.8% lower than the same time in the previous year.The average home value in Christchurch increased by 1.6% to NZ$808,601 in the three months to May.Meanwhile, Wellington City's average home value increased by 0.2% in the quarter to NZ$910,286, which is 27.6% below its previous peak.

New Zealand Business Financial Data Industries Report Sales of NZ$200 Billion in March Quarter

New Zealand business financial data industries reported sales of NZ$200 billion in the March quarter, up 5.3%, or NZ$10 billion, from the March 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ on Tuesday.Purchases were NZ$140 billion, up 4.8%, or NZ$6.4 billion, while salaries and wages were NZ$32 billion, up NZ$892 million.Meanwhile, operating profit was NZ$29 billion, up 11%, or NZ$2.8 billion, compared with the same period last year.When adjusted for seasonal effects, the total value of wholesale trade sales rose 8.8% in the March quarter to NZ$42.29 billion, while total manufacturing sales were up 3.9% to NZ$35.61 billion, per the report.

New Zealand Total Actual Filled Jobs Inch Down in the March Quarter

Total actual filled jobs in New Zealand inched down to 2.26 million in the March quarter from 2.27 million in the December 2025 quarter, according to data published by Stats NZ on Tuesday.Total seasonally adjusted filled jobs were up 0.1% over the same period, the report said.The largest changes in seasonally adjusted filled jobs in the March quarter compared with the December 2025 quarter were in transport, postal and warehousing, up 0.9% or 834 jobs, and education and training, up 0.3% or 728 jobs, the data showed.At a regional level, Canterbury recorded the largest increase in seasonally adjusted filled jobs, up 0.5% or 1,507 jobs, followed by Waikato, up 0.5% or 1,042 jobs, the data added.Total gross earnings for the year ended March rose 2.7% to NZ$4.8 billion, with the largest annual increases in health care and social assistance, up 4.7% or NZ$1.1 billion, education and training, up 6.6% or NZ$943 million, and public administration and safety, up 3.7% or NZ$608 million, it added.

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International7d ago

Asia Week Ahead: Inflation Prints; GDP Estimates; and Trade Balance

For the week ahead in Asia, inflation, trade and growth data will be in focus as investors assess the region's economic momentum.The week opens with Japan's revised first-quarter GDP figures, followed by trade data from China and Taiwan on Tuesday.Mid-week, China's consumer and producer inflation reports will dominate headlines, while Japan will release producer price data.Thursday will be led by unemployment figures from South Korea and Malaysia, before Friday brings India's inflation report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, June 8The week was off to a relatively light, but notable start with Japan's first-quarter GDP growth rate.Japan's economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.8% in the first quarter, according to final data released by the Cabinet Office. The reading was revised down from the preliminary estimate of 2.1% growth, but exceeded the market consensus forecast for a 1.3% increase, according to Trading Economics.The data comes as attention turns to the Bank of Japan's June 15-16 policy meeting, where policymakers are expected to consider another interest-rate increase. The growth figures are unlikely to derail expectations for further policy tightening.TUESDAY, June 9Data readouts will pick up Tuesday, starting with China's trade figures for May.Economists at ING said they expect China's exports to rise 19.5% year-on year and imports to gain 36.4% for a trade surplus of $86.5 billion. The surplus would be an increase from the $84.8 billion recorded in April, thanks in part to higher tech prices, which are boosting both export and import prices, ING said.Taiwan will similarly report trade figures, with ING expecting the island nation's trade surplus to rise to $15.5 billion from $14.4 billion in April. "Strong export orders from previous months suggest external demand remains robust amid the AI boom," ING said in a preview.Markets will be watching for any revisions to South Korea's first-quarter GDP growth rate when the Bank of Korea releases its final estimate on Tuesday.The central bank's advance estimate indicated that South Korea's real GDP increased 3.6% annually and 1.7% on a quarterly basis.In Australia, a pair of reports will capture business and consumer sentiment, while in the Philippines, unemployment stats will be due.Other key data scheduled for the day include Japan's machine tool orders.WEDNESDAY, June 10China's consumer and producer price inflation will dominate headlines Wednesday.Consumer prices are expected to show an uptick of 1.3% year on year in May from 1.2% a month prior, reflecting higher manufacturers' input and output prices due to the Middle East conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported.Japan will similarly report its May producer prices, with analysts expecting the PPI to accelerate to 5.5% year on year from 4.9% in April, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Indonesia will release its May consumer confidence report on the same day.THURSDAY, June 11Unemployment data from South Korea and Malaysia will be the highlight of the day.According to Trading Economics, South Korea's unemployment rate could remain unchanged at 2.80% in May. The platform similarly forecasted that Malaysia's unemployment would remain steady at 2.90%, a level it has held since November 2025.A forward-looking report on consumer inflation expectations will be due in Australia. According to Trading Economics, consumer inflation expectations could rise to 6.5% for June from the 5.6% estimated in May.Meanwhile, Indonesia will report its retail sales stats for April.FRIDAY, June 12India's May inflation data will be in the news Friday.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to pick up to 3.9% year on year from the 3.48% recorded in the month prior due to a rise in gasoline prices. Still, the figure would be below the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target."The key risk to the outlook lies in potential second-round effects on food inflation. Fertiliser shortages, alongside the rising probability of an El Niño event, could exert upward pressure on food prices in the coming months and warrant close monitoring," ING said in a preview.Friday will also feature industrial production reports from Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, with Malaysia additionally reporting its retail sales stats for April.In Thailand, the consumer confidence report for May will be due.On the activity front, the Business NZ manufacturing purchasing managers' index report will be due in New Zealand. CommBank said it expects manufacturing activity in May to stabilize, or even lift somewhat, given a decline in fuel prices over late April and May.The Business NZ PMI previously dropped to 50.5 in April from 52.8 in March.

Asia10d ago

New Zealand Shares Rise; Infratil Allocates AU$200 Million of Capital Bonds Under Offer

New Zealand shares ended higher on Friday, while most Asian shares saw a sell-off as a peace deal in the Middle East remains elusive.The S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 0.46%, or 60.36 points, to close at 13,161.97.The Lebanon-based Hezbollah has rejected a new ceasefire on Thursday, and Israel said it will not withdraw its troops from Lebanon, according to a Thursday Reuters report.In domestic news, New Zealand's total new lending decreased to NZ$14.17 billion in April from NZ$15.13 billion in March, according to data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.In corporate news, Infratil (ASX:IFT, NZE:IFT) said its capital bond offer closed after it allocated AU$200 million of unsecured, subordinated, repayable, cumulative, interest-bearing capital bonds maturing on June 15, 2057, including AU$50 million of oversubscriptions.Spark New Zealand (NZE:SPK, ASX:SPK) launched Verified Call, a feature that helps customers identify legitimate Spark calls by displaying the company's name, logo, a verified badge, and the reason for calling on the mobile phone screen before picking up.

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International10d ago

New Zealand's Total New Lending Falls in April

New Zealand's total new lending decreased to NZ$14.17 billion in April from NZ$15.13 billion in March, according to data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand released on Friday.New lending fully secured by residential mortgage fell to NZ$8.3 billion in April from NZ$8.68 billion in the previous month.Personal consumer new lending decreased to NZ$223 million from NZ$259 million. New lending for business fell to NZ$4 billion from NZ$4.38 billion.Lending for agricultural purposes fell to NZ$1.29 billion from NZ$1.42 billion. Other new lending decreased to NZ$345 million from NZ$384 million.

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Asia10d ago

NZX Midday Sector Update: Producer Manufacturing Soars, Consumer Durables Fall

Producer manufacturing shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising past 1% by midday Friday.Skellerup Holdings (NZE:SKL) shares rose 1% in recent trade.Meanwhile, the consumer durables sector fell 1%.KMD Brands (NZE:KMD, ASX:KMD) was down 3% in recent trade.

Asia11d ago

New Zealand Shares Flat; Henderson Far East Income Reports Net Asset Value

New Zealand shares ended flat on Thursday, while Asian shares saw broad-based losses following a sell-off on Wall Street's Wednesday session.The S&P/NZX 50 Index was little changed to close at 13,101.61.On Wednesday, the S&P 500 lost 0.7%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.9%, and the Dow Jones declined 1.2%.In domestic news, New Zealand's seasonally adjusted total building volume fell 3.5% in the March quarter compared with the December 2025 quarter, data from Stats NZ showed.Also, the national median home value in New Zealand held steady in May at NZ$808,187, unchanged from April but down 0.1% over the past three months, according to Cotality's Home Value Index.Further, the ANZ World Commodity Price Index climbed 0.7% month over month in May, with all commodity groups in the index seeing incremental gains, according to a report from ANZ Research.Meanwhile, overall card spending in New Zealand rose 1.8% in May in seasonally adjusted terms, up 4.8% compared with the same period last year, with a notable bounce-back at discretionary-type stores, ANZ said in a reportIn corporate news, Henderson Far East Income's (NZE:HFL) unaudited net asset value, including current fiscal year revenue items, was 2.651 pounds sterling per share as of Tuesday.Bankers Investment Trust's (NZE:BIT) unaudited net asset value was 1.605 pounds sterling per share as of Tuesday.

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International11d ago

New Zealand Property Values Flat in May, Cotality Says

The national median home value in New Zealand held steady in May at NZ$808,187, unchanged from April but down 0.1% over the past three months, according to Cotality's Home Value Index released Thursday.Values were 0.6% lower than a year earlier and remain 17% below the early 2022 peak of NZ$974,002.Among the main centers, Christchurch led monthly gains with a 0.4% rise, while Dunedin and Tauranga each edged up 0.2%, and Hamilton added 0.1%. Auckland and Wellington continued to slide, falling 0.2% and 0.3% respectively."There are differing patterns beneath the surface. Key areas, including Auckland and Wellington, are still subdued, while even 'strong' markets such as Christchurch or Invercargill aren't racing away," saidCotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson.Auckland's modest overall decline in May was broad-based, with nearly all sub-markets slipping 0.2% or 0.3%. The exceptions were Rodney, which gained 0.2%, and Franklin, which was unchanged."The longer the OCR stays on hold, the greater the chances inflation is harder to rein back in again, which will tend to put more upwards pressure on mortgage rates," Davidson added.Davidson warned that upward pressure on mortgage rates raises the risk of a more pronounced economic slowdown, which could weigh on household confidence, the labor market, and both property sales and prices."All in all, housing market conditions remain challenging. Having previously anticipated sales volumes rising from around 90,000 in 2025 to 100,000 this year, the market may actually do well to hold at similar levels to last year. This points to a sluggish outlook for values too," Davidson said.