The jobless rate rise to 5.3% in the September quarter is the highest since late 2016.
WATCH: US President Donald Trump keeps RBNZ and economists alert over where NZ economy is heading.
The central bank was widely expected to cut the official cash rate this week, with inflation in the band, and economy still in recovery.
NZIER’s latest survey puts momentum behind economic growth and further rate cuts.
‘Soft’ data on sentiment is positive and this should flow through to hard data, the ratings agency says.
Consumer confidence dropped this month as inflation expectations nudge above 4%.
The latest survey indicates unemployment is nearing the peak, Westpac says.
ANZ economist Henry Russell has a word of caution about the stronger than expected GDP data.
The data is much better than expected but construction activity remains weak.
Nikko AM investment conference hears that inflation may come back with a nasty bite.