Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
New Zealand’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.0% in the third quarter of 2025, aligning with analysts’ expectations and reaching the upper limit of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) target range. According to official data from Statistics New Zealand, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.0% from the previous quarter, doubling the 0.5% growth recorded in the second quarter and consistent with forecasts from a Reuters poll.
The RBNZ, which aims to maintain inflation between 1% and 3% over the medium term, had previously projected a 3% inflation rate for the quarter. In August, the central bank cut its cash rate by 50 basis points to 2.5%, citing growing concerns about economic weakness despite persistent price pressures. The RBNZ noted earlier this month that while inflation was edging higher, the existing slack in the economy is expected to bring it back to the 2% midpoint target by mid-2026.
ANZ senior economist Miles Workman commented that inflation trends remain broadly in line with the central bank’s expectations. He emphasized that underlying inflation is slowing as forecast, suggesting that the recent rise does not pose a significant policy challenge. Non-tradeable inflation, which reflects domestic cost pressures, eased slightly to 3.5% from 3.7% in the previous quarter.
The New Zealand dollar remained stable, trading at $0.5732 following the data release. Statistics New Zealand attributed the price surge mainly to rising electricity costs, rent, and local government taxes. Electricity prices, in particular, have seen their steepest annual increase since the late 1980s amid sector reforms.
Analysts also noted that global uncertainties, including U.S. trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, continue to influence inflation expectations and shape monetary policy decisions.
