The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) said on Tuesday that business confidence was broadly unchanged in the fourth quarter, with a seasonally adjusted net 23% of surveyed firms expecting general conditions to improve over the next six months compared to a net 22% in the previous quarter.
On an unadjusted basis, a net 31% of firms economic conditions to improve in the next six months in the fourth quarter as opposed to a net 36% in the third quarter.
"Firms are optimistic about the economic outlook and their recent performance has been improving gradually. But the recovery to date has been slower than firms expected. The flat-lining of confidence is consistent with businesses remaining optimistic, but waiting for reality to catch up with expectations," said Shamubeel Eaqub, principal economist at NZIER.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.