The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has made it clear that the country’s key official rate won’t be changing any time soon.
In its latest monetary policy decision, announced Thursday morning, the bank again echoed its Australian counterpart in saying that rates were on hold for quite a while.
But unlike the RBA which has made it clear that the next move in Australian rates will likely be up, the RBNZ said the path of the next movement was “equally balanced”.
"The Official Cash Rate (OCR) will remain at 1.75 percent for some time to come. The direction of our next move is equally balanced, up or down. Only time and events will tell,” The statement on Thursday from the RBNZ started rather bluntly.
That’s despite a fall in unemployment and solid growth. Inflation remains weak and wage rises are not happening large enough to be a concern.
"Economic growth and employment in New Zealand remain robust, near their sustainable levels. However, consumer price inflation remains below the 2 percent mid-point of our target due, in part, to recent low food and import price inflation, and subdued wage pressures.
"The recent growth in demand has been delivered by an unprecedented increase in employment. The number of willing workers continues to rise, especially with more female and older workers choosing to participate. Likewise net immigration has added to the supply of labour, and the demand for goods, services, and accommodation.
"Ahead, global economic growth is forecast to continue supporting demand for New Zealand’s products and services. Global inflation pressures are expected to rise but remain contained.
"At home, ongoing spending and investment, by both households and government, is expected to support economic growth and employment demand. Business investment should also increase due to emerging capacity constraints.
The emerging capacity constraints are projected to see New Zealand’s consumer price inflation gradually rise to our 2 percent annual target.
"To best ensure this outcome, we expect to keep the OCR at this expansionary level for a considerable period of time. This is the best contribution we can make, at this moment, to maximising sustainable employment and maintaining low and stable inflation,” the statement ended.
