Pundit

inflation

Has fiscal responsibility become a false idol?

With most of the economic policy options for the coming NZ election now in front of us, it would appear we are continuing down the route of GDP growth, low inflation, government surpluses and Triple A credit ratings as measures of economic policy success. But, these are only means towards some desired ends or ultimate goals? 

Read More

Strong New Zealand dollar doesn't mean strong New Zealand economy; it just means our interest rates are higher

What we are witnessing is an old fashioned ideological debate, dressed up as economics.

The high dollar and its causes suit people who have a lot of New Zealand-denominated wealth; a lower dollar is better for producers - people who use capital to earn money.

Read More

The Reserve Bank Act - time for a review

This year marks 25 years since the Reserve Bank Act 1989 was passed. While it has enjoyed a high degree of cross-party support over that period, the original settlement is unwinding and it is now time for a review. That need not involve throwing the anti-inflation baby out with the bathwater, nor the politicisation of a significant public institution.

Read More

World News Brief, Wednesday October 30

Obama administration considers ending surveillance of allied heads of state; China suspects Tiananmen Square crash a suicide attack; North Korea at work on missile launch site; India raises interest rates to curb inflation; US intensifies efforts to capture Joseph Kony; and more

Read More

National News Brief, Wednesday January 21

Read Barack Obama's inauguration speech; biggest drop in inflation in 10 years; ANZ and ING being investigated by Commerce Commission; melting ice shelf could cause sea level rise; bullying fears outweigh most others for teens; Paula Bennett wins kudos for breaking up fight

Read More