Cameron Bagrie, Chief Economist at ANZ, notes that the NZ’s business confidence moved down a gear in February.
Key Quotes
“The optimists are still in the driver’s seat; a net +7% are optimistic about the general economy over the year ahead. Sentiment fell in all sectors bar manufacturing.
The foot is pressing more softly on the accelerator. That’s a far cry from tapping on the brakes. But less enthusiasm to accelerate is clear.
• Firms’ own activity expectations eased from +34 to +26. That’s slightly below the average historical speed.
• Profit expectations receded from +18 to +12. Firms are still profitable, but marginally less so.
• Employment intentions fell from +20 to +12. Drivers are still wanted.
• Investment intentions were largely unchanged at +14. A pit stop.
• Export intentions were up (+23 versus +19). Hardly stellar but not a bad sign given slowing global trade trends.
• Residential investment intentions fell from +32 to +14. Commercial construction intentions receded from +45 to +24.
• Pricing gauges drifted lower. Inflation expectations hit a historical low of 1.4%. Pricing intentions dropped from +24 to +18.
• The picture, after adjusting for seasonality, is largely the same.”
(Market News Provided by FXstreet)
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