August 04, 2024 at 09:41PM
Forecast for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand from Westpac in New Zealand.
Westpac revises RBNZ rate cut forecast, now sees October and November easing
Westpac now expects RBNZ to cut OCR by 25bps to 5.25% in October
Further 25bps cut expected in November, bringing OCR to 5% by year-end
Bank cites weaker growth outlook and rising unemployment as key factors
GDP projected to fall 0.6% in Q2 2024
Unemployment rate now seen peaking at 5.6% in 2025
Inflation expected to return to 1-3% target range in Q3 2024
OCR forecast to reach 4.5% by May 2025, bottoming at 3.75% in early 2026
Westpac’s chief economist Kelly Eckhold notes the RBNZ is likely to take a “measured and data dependent approach” to easing. The bank doesn’t see RBNZ “panicking” despite softer economic data, as domestic inflation remains a concern.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.