Nick Tuffley

The total value of electronic card spending fell 0.3 percent in November, while core retail spending rose 0.3 percent. Audio

Those calling for the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates are likely to be disappointed on Thursday. None of the 16 economists surveyed by Reuters are expecting any change to the central bank's… Audio

A recent quarterly survey has found house buyers are becoming more optimistic about the market, with only a net 8 percent thinking it's a bad time to buy now. Audio

New Zealand's economy is softening and that's being blamed on lower than expected dairy farm income and a quick fall in the dollar. Audio

Economists are expecting the September quarter inflation figures due this week will undershoot the Reserve Bank's 0.7 percent forecast. Audio

The Reserve Bank probably accomplished more than it wanted, with the New Zealand dollar falling as much as one-and-a-half US cents yesterday. Audio

Most economists agree the pace of growth slowed in the June quarter but there's little agreement on just how much. Audio

Economic activity in Canterbury reached its fastest pace in July since the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Audio

Employment is surging in Canterbury, but wages have fallen compared to the rest of the country. Audio

New Zealanders' house price expectations remain elevated, but have fallen from last year, and more people are expecting interest rates to continue rising. Audio

Spending on credit, debit and charge cards remained steady in April, though more was spent on fuel and consumables and less on clothing. Audio

Low deposit mortgages have plunged from about a third of all home loans before restrictions came in, to less than six percent now. Audio

To combat rising inflation pressures, the Reserve Bank governor, Graeme Wheeler, is tipped to lift the cash rate by a quarter of a percent. Audio

Economists are picking the official cash rate will go up today, meaning home owners will have to dig even deeper. Audio

Business is booming in Canterbury. It's reached a new high driven by consumer confidence, with more people splashing out on hardware, building and garden supplies. Audio

Headwinds against manufacturers exporting to Australia are likely to remain strong, with the Australian dollar expected to maintain its weakness against the New Zealand currency for much of this year.

Falling unemployment and booming dairy and construction industries continue to push up consumer confidence which is now riding at a nine-year high. Audio

Inflation was much worse than expected in the December quarter with higher international air fares as well as rising housing and dairy prices to blame. Audio

With Bill Rosenberg - CTU economist, Nick Tuffley - ASB chief economist. Audio

Listening to that is the ASB bank's chief economist, Nick Tuffley. Audio