The SME Stream

One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world.  Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says markets surged after the election with thoughts that Trump might promote growth.  He says there might not be a quick fix for the issue.  "I suspect it's goi...

In the first of their regular catch ups, Business Canterbury’s Leeann Watson joined John MacDonald in studio to dig into what’s happening on the business front.  They discussed how business owners are feeling, and what can be done to help them continue to gain confidence and grow in the region.  LISTEN ABOVE  The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general...

The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data from Stats NZ shows that in the year ended January 2025, there were 33,812 new homes consented, down 7.2 percent compared with the year ended January 2024. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the&n...

Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown faster over the December quarter, but the effect of inflation still linger. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professi...

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE]  US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land to expand. Its head of NZ explains if its bet is paying off, and how she got Satya Nadella on side. [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ]  US tech behemoth Microsoft is the first hyperscaler to open a data centre in New Zealand and has acquired more land t...

A recent report found that women lag behind men in investment property ownership, despite a fairly even result for owner-occupied homes.  Nichole Lewis joins to discuss why the numbers are so off, and how you can start from zero.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed...

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that particular dream out of reach, so why bother trying? While housing is expensive, there are other ways to get onto the housing ladder – but there’s a fair bit you need to know to ensure it doesn’t go pear-shaped.  To help everyo...

[VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ] Some of our largest companies are cutting costs to survive as investors shatter their stock. Equities analyst Aaron Ibbotson assesses the earnings season damage. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its relate...

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin D...

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. In this weekly wrap, some big news for the retail sector with confidence and sales up, and more powers to apprehend thieves, tou...

Bitcoin advocate Cody Ellingham joins the podcast to explain why we he is advocating for everyone, everywhere to get Ellingham explains his vision for how Bitcoin could put people's financial power back into their hands, rather than under the control of financial institutions and governments. Plus, we talk AI language Gibberlink and Apple's $500 billion promise to Trump. Subscribe on   iHeart...

'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. Cabinet will consider a range of options in the first half of this year. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says special economic zones - areas with less regulations - are already used widely overseas. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unp...

If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker turned Hawke’s Bay farmer has created a peer-to-peer lending app designed to simplify and formalise loan agreements between peers or friends, and it's believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Amico creator Tom Aitken says this service...

Rate relief has arrived, ending two years of economic arrest. But banks may not pass on the cuts - Sean Keane explains why. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the co...

Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napier and Hastings CBDs become ghost towns after 5pm, when stores close. She says 'to stay alive in 2025', trading hours need to no longer be confined to 9-to-5. But Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says a single store can't make the change alone....

Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three months ending December - against the quarter before. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is a good sign for the economy - but warns companies not to get ahead of themselves. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain&nbsp...

Companies are raising hundreds of billions of dollars to achieve AI supremacy. PrimerAI founder Sean Gourley says it’s not just a tech trend – it’s the only way to deter war. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its rel...

if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%.  More than 80% of mortgages are due to refix this year, because most people have been opting for floating rates or short terms,  waiting for the right time to pounce as interest rates fell.  So is that time now or should you continue to wait?&...

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the OCR by another 50 basis points this week.  Homeowners and hopeful buyers alike have been eagerly watching recent OCR announcements as interest rates continue to fall.  But why aren't the banks following suit?  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice....

The Government today has announced plans to overhaul the Overseas Investment Act.  Among the reforms announced, it will fast track overseas investment for decisions to be made within 15 days, and empower the Government to intervene if a transaction is not in the country's best interest.  The overhaul would make it easier for New Zealand businesses to get new investment from overseas, as...

The name of the game for the government this year is economic growth and increased productivity.  For that, what New Zealand needs is successful businesses.  One of New Zealand’s most successful entrepreneurs believes more can be done to grow business confidence and the economy alike.  Rowan Simpson, one of the founding members and investors in TradeMe and Xero, is releasing &...

Banks could soon be competing a bit harder for our business.  The Reserve Bank's signalling yesterday's double cut to the OCR will be followed by at least two more single cuts at the next reviews in April and May.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Andrew Dickens that's going to drive banks' rates down.  She says mortgage-holders and small businesses should be expecting to see the...

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large L...

Given the issues around KiwiSaver, it’s a miracle any of us save anything to become remotely independent in retirement.  Last week we told you about the Morningstar rankings and how the biggest operator in the market was performing so poorly, and now we have yet another crack at where the money is actually invested.  Mindful Money is upset over the increase in funds going to fossil...

As business owners, you know how hard it is keeping up with your business, let alone the news. Join Wilhelmina Shrimpton each week as she gives you a rundown of the biggest stories that could impact on your business, so you can make informed decisions with expert advice. In this weekly wrap, huge relief as the OCR is slashed by another 50 basis points, electronic spend was down last month but farm...