Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist says GDP has had a strong rebound in the second half of the year
There are signs that green shoots are starting to flourish economically. The latest card spending data from Stats NZ shows retail spending was up 1.6-percent last month, compared to November last year. Spending was up across the board - on the likes of groceries, household items and clothes. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that the GDP for the second half of the year has had a strong rebound. He says they're expecting 0.8 percent for the upcoming quarter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the projected dairy prices for 2025/2026
The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices off the back of a growth-filled 2025. According to Rabobank's Q4 Global Dairy Quarterly Report, global milk production growth is estimated to have peaked in Q3 2025. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Michelle Allbon: The Fractional Directory CEO on the company signing a deal with the Singapore Government
The Singapore Government has teamed up with New Zealand-founded start-up The Fractional Directory for a new pilot programme. The project will pair fractional leaders - experienced professionals who work with multiple organisations on a flexible basis - with Singaporean companies. Company CEO Michelle Allbon says this may seem similar to consultant roles, but there's some key differences. "The different between consulting and fractional is that a fractional leader is fully embedded...we've seen this be really, really effective, it's not just giving them advice and throwing their PowerPoint over the wall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Michael Luke: Milford Asset Management expert on the economic struggles impacting the retail sector
Recent trading updates indicate the nation's leading retailers are feeling the pinch ahead of the busy season. The Warehouse and Kathmandu are among the big names that have been seeing significant losses over the past few months. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke says there's hope things will pick up in the next few weeks, given the demand brought about by Christmas and Boxing Day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac chief economist defends the bank hiking fixed rates
A signal from the Reserve Bank's led Westpac to hike rates - and one economist expects other banks could follow. Westpac lifted two five-year fixed rates by 30 basis points yesterday. The bank's chief economist, Kelly Eckhold, says it seems the Reserve Bank's unlikely to cut the OCR again any time soon. "We kind of expected that they would cut the rate by 25 basis points, but we didn't expect them to call time on the easing cycle. It sort of scared the markets a little bit." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.