Definition
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) meets eight times a year and decides whether to change or maintain New Zealand's Official Cash Rate (OCR). The goal of the RBNZ's monetary policy is to spur or slow economic growth or affect the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar. The RBNZ maintains an inflationary target range of 1 percent to 3 percent and will change rates to keep inflation within that range.
Description
The RBNZ determines interest rate policy at it policy meetings. These meetings occur roughly every six weeks and are one of the most influential events for the markets. Market participants speculate about the possibility of an interest rate change. However, since the Bank is known for its clarity in setting policy, the result is usually built into the markets in advance. The level of interest rates affects the economy. Higher interest rates tend to slow economic activity; lower interest rates stimulate economic activity. Either way, interest rates influence the sales environment. In the consumer sector, few homes or cars will be purchased when interest rates rise. Furthermore, interest rate costs are a significant factor for many businesses, particularly for companies with high debt loads or who have to finance high inventory levels. This interest cost has a direct impact on corporate profits. The bottom line is that higher interest rates are bearish for the financial markets, while lower interest rates are bullish.
Frequency
Eight times a year.