The ASB and ANZ have joined Westpac in thinking the Reserve Bank will be forced to raise the OCR this year instead of next.

New global research from LinkedIn shows professionals, such as mortgage advisers, are turning to their networks as they feel overwhelmed by rising AI expectations.

The mantra of survive til ‘25 transitioned into survive thru ‘25 as the economic recovery proved gradual.

Fixed interest rates have fallen substantially, since the middle of 2024, coming down from about 7% to the mid 4% range over that time.

Stimulatory mortgage rates positive for economic recovery but risks remain.

Economist Tony Alexander says based on the  Australian rate looking like it will be raised from 3.6% before the middle of this year, the New Zealand OCR will comfortably rise before the end of the year.

Early adopter advisers and lenders are now using regulated open banking connections to make it easier for people to apply for a home loan.

Investor mortgage borrowing is edging closer to where debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions start to kick in.

About half of all first home buyer lending has been done at a less than 20% deposit in recent months.

Advisers are being warned about cyber criminals ramping up activity over the holidays.

Lower interest rates are doing their job. The medicine is working, Kiwibank says.

Westpac is urging the RBNZ to make some public comment on evolving financial conditions.

New Zealand’s economy is putting recession in its rear-view mirror, with the recovery expected to pick up next year, ASB’s latest Quarterly Economic Forecast says.

Fixed mortgage interest rates could start rising before Christmas because the economy’s direction is now up, economist Tony Alexander says.

Stable house prices, low interest rates and plenty of houses to choose from are still not enticing buyers.

The fall in borrowing costs is only half-way through for households, even though the RBNZ appears to have made its last cut to the OCR.