Economic Weekly: Swings and roundabouts
- It was a mixed bag for NZ last week as business confidence in the ANZ survey sank back, dashing hopes that the lift in sentiment late last year would continue into this year.
- And, while we expect economic growth to recover from a soft patch in 2018, continued weak business confidence flags a threat to that if it reflects indecision over hiring and capital expenditure.
- On a positive note, dwelling consents surged over January to hit a 44-year annual high and we see this week’s dairy auction as positive, reinforcing a solid price finish for the season.
Contact us
Mark Smith
Senior Economist
Mark joined ASB in 2017, with over 20 years of public and private sector experience working as an economist in New Zealand and the UK.
His resume includes lengthy stints at ANZ and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, and he has also worked at the Bank of England, HM Treasury and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Mark's areas of specialisation include interest rate strategy, macro-economic analysis and urban economics.
Born and bred in the Waikato, Mark studied at Waikato University where he graduated with a Master of Social Sciences, majoring in Economics.
Mark's key strengths are the ability to use his extensive experience, inquisitive nature, analytical ability, creativity and pragmatism to dig a little deeper and to deliver common sense solutions to tackle complex problems.
When not at work Mark likes to travel, keep fit and spend time with his friends and family.
- Email: Mark
