The SME Stream

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is continuing to buy foreign currency assets to give it more firepower, should it need to intervene in the market during a crisis. The central bank sold a whopping $259 million of New Zealand dollars in March to buy assets, such as government bonds, linked to other currencies. The sale marked the second-largest foreign exchange-related transaction (or series of tran...

It’s been 100 days since Donald Trump was sworn in as US President.  His campaign was filled with promises of dramatic change, and he’s certainly followed through, with a record-breaking number of orders filed in the first three months.  The most dramatic of which is his sweeping global tariffs.  Quest Means Business host Richard Quest told Mike Hosking it goes against t...

You can’t say we weren’t warned Nicola Willis would be taking to government spending like a butcher to a fresh carcass. She’s been saying it for months.  Yesterday she halved the operating allowance to $1.3 billion. All this because she wants to do what she said she’s do, and that’s balance the books by 2029. The recession’s cut her tax take so you either p...

Employment data out today shows filled job numbers rose 0.2% in March. Primary industries led the growth up 04%. Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon says it's a reason to get excited. “It’s to be celebrated after a fair period of decline.” LISTEN ABOVE. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional adv...

It may take two and a half men to complete some tasks but when it comes to creating a success men's skincare brand it takes two, of a certain kind of dude! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and perfect for an on-the-go podcast listen. Tomas from Two Dudes Skincare joins Georgia to chat all things investment, the process to getting into stores and elevating their marketi...

The first 100 days of the new Donald Trump administration have seen capital markets undergo a turbulent few months - but things appear to be stabilising. The tariffs have seen the markets take a noticeable dip, but things have turned the corner this week. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains the factors behind this. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain gene...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  In one season the AFC has grown from an idea into an entertainment empire. This episode takes you inside the organisation that took fandom to another level. 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 b...

It's a tough time for the markets and the volatility has been hard to keep track of.  The tariffs have obviously had an impact - but some experts say AI developments are also a contributor.  LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shar...

How long could you last if your income stopped tomorrow? Culd you handle a big, unexpected bill without going into debt? And how often do you worry about money?  Those are all metrics in the Financial Resilience Index, a survey on Kiwis’ money habits and stability - so what does it tell us, and crucially, what should we do with that information?  This week, Nadine is talking with t...

The stance may be softening in the trade war between China and the United States.  Last week US President Trump said the initial 145 percent tariffs wouldn't actually be that high.  China appears to now be mulling their imposed tariffs.  Greg Smiths of Devon Funs Management talks to Mike Hosking about the developments, the trade war's impact on the US economy and the good news for U...

Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation. The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence rose 5 points to 98.3 in April - but inflation expectations soared 0.5pts to 4.7 percent, the highest reading since July 2023. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked the factors contributing to this data. LISTEN ABOVE The p...

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. This week, the trade war tensions continue, but is Trump about to back-down? New measures to combat the risk of scams, and the n...

As global trade becomes increasingly protectionist, New Zealand’s tech sector faces a welcome anomaly for now: digital exports are tariff-free.  Unlike goods, software and digital services still move relatively freely across borders, and nowhere is this opportunity greater than in India—a vast, fast-growing market hungry for innovation.  The story of Valocity Global, founded...

Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025. The consumer staples industry - food, beverages, household products - and all the brands tied to that sector have managed to stay strong throughout the year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream co...

The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank. Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general info...

There's less than a month to go until the 2025 Budget is unveiled - and the Finance Minister has been clear about the goals she aims to tackle. Nicola Willis says New Zealand has been in a significant deficit since 2019, and she's determined to get back into surplus by 2027/2028. She explained getting the country back into surplus will help to pay down debt. "We're borrowing every day right now to...

  The International Monetary Fund is slashing its global growth forecasts due to impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and expects the US to be hit particularly hard.  US markets have been rallying, with the White House confirming it has 18 trade deal proposals on paper, is talking with 34 countries this week, and has a China deal in the works.  But China's warning it will hit back at c...

There's been some positive trade news. Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago. Milk powder, butter and cheese rose 35 percent to $2.3 billion. Goods imports rose 12 percent to $6.6 billion. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon unpacked the factors. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain ...

 [VIDEO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY]  In one season the AFC has grown from an idea into an entertainment empire. This episode takes you inside the organisation that took fandom to another level. 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 b...

The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path.  But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay?  Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Di...

This episode of 'Bored to Boss' will put you in a good mood! Grab your Suntory Boss Coffee - It's brewed hot, chilled fast and perfect for an on-the-go podcast listen. In Episode 4, Georgia is stoked to have Kate, the mastermind fronting Moodi Blends . The two dive into what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Find out how much of Kate's success has been calculated and how much of it...

Investing can be an intimidating area and yet it may be one of the best ways to get ahead financially.  But with a lot of us emotionally invested in our finances, we're reluctant to take the leap and instead don't even try.  How do we feel the fear and do it anyway? Or is that fear telling us something?  Financial Adviser and Coach Katie Wesney's joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money....

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, just hours after the death of Pope Francis. Luxon confirmed he spoke to the King about the death of the Pope during his meeting, but would not divulge further details. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said Luxon “enjoyed discussing New Zealand issues with the King”. Luxon said discussion...

With China and the US promising trade war escalations, economists are speculating about the future of the tariffs and how they'll impact global economies. Some have have drawn parallels with the Great Depression - and warned the world should be prepared for a downturn.  Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general...

Inflation is officially on the rise again.  The latest Stats NZ figures show the Consumers Price Index rose 2.5% in the year to March – up from a 2.2% rise in the year to December.  The numbers cover the 12 months to March 31, and don't reflect the impact of Donald Trump's new tariffs and other new trade barriers.  NZ Herald Business Editor Liam Dann told John MacDonald that d...