Some interest rate relief forecast
The labour market ended 2022 not as tight as expected, with the NZ unemployment rate moving slightly above record lows, and higher than previously forecasted.
BNZ economist Stephen Toplis now expects the official cash rate (OCR) to peak at 5.0%, down from an earlier forecast of 5.5%.
Other banks agree with the BNZ team that Wednesday's employment figures will ease pressure on interest rates.
Employment figures have long influenced interest rates. That is because low unemployment can boost wage increases which feed into general inflation and make the Reserve Bank reach nervously for the OCR lever.
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