UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
China Manufacturing PMI Slips Into Contraction in January as Weak Demand Pressures Economy 
Asian Stocks Waver as Trump Signals Fed Pick, Shutdown Deal and Tech Earnings Stir Markets 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
Indonesia Stocks Face Fragile Sentiment After MSCI Warning and Market Rout 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
New Zealand’s economic outlook received a strong boost in November as business confidence surged to its highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest ANZ Bank Business Outlook survey. The report indicates growing optimism across key industries, reinforcing expectations that the country may be entering a meaningful period of economic recovery after prolonged uncertainty.
The survey revealed that a net 67.1% of respondents expect overall economic conditions to improve over the next year, a notable rise from the 58.1% recorded in October. This sharp increase in sentiment suggests that businesses are feeling more assured about market stability, demand resilience, and the broader financial environment. Many analysts view rising business confidence as an early signal of stronger investment activity, job creation, and productivity gains—all essential components for sustained economic growth.
In addition to optimism about the national economy, business owners also expressed confidence in the performance of their own companies. A net 53.1% of firms anticipate growth in their operations over the coming year, up from 44.6% last month. This shift reflects improving expectations around sales, profitability, and expansion opportunities, further supporting the view that business conditions are turning a corner.
Economists note that the rebound in sentiment may be driven by easing inflation pressures, improved supply-chain stability, and signs of stronger domestic and global demand. If these trends persist, New Zealand could experience a gradual but steady recovery that strengthens both consumer and business activity.
The ANZ survey remains a closely watched indicator of economic momentum, and November’s figures highlight a renewed sense of confidence that could shape business decisions heading into the new year. As optimism spreads, New Zealand’s economic landscape appears poised for a positive shift, signaling potential growth across sectors and encouraging a more robust outlook for 2025.
