empty
 
 

2026.04.3001:25:01UTC+00New Zealand Business Sentiment Slumps

New Zealand’s ANZ Business Outlook Index dropped sharply to -10.6 in April 2026 from 32.5 in March, marking the first negative reading since August 2023, as the conflict in the Middle East weighed on business sentiment. Firms’ own activity outlook deteriorated significantly (19.6 vs 39.3), while reported past activity was largely steady (16.9 vs 17.5).

Forward-looking indicators weakened across the board: export intentions fell markedly (1.1 vs 15.2), profit expectations swung into negative territory (-13.3 vs 19.7), and investment intentions declined (3.3 vs 14.5). Employment intentions also turned negative (-2.7 vs 9.4), and wage growth expectations moderated (2.41% vs 2.74%).

Price-setting indicators were mixed. Pricing intentions eased somewhat (57.7 vs 60.3), yet cost pressures intensified (90.4 vs 84.7). Credit availability deteriorated sharply (-21.5 vs -3.3), pointing to tighter financial conditions, while inflation expectations climbed to their highest level since February 2024 (3.81% vs 3.08%).

Sentiment across key sectors also softened, including residential construction (11.8 vs 35.3) and commercial construction (27.0 vs 42.1).

  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $1000 more!
    In April we raffle $1000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS


Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback