In a speech today, RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr expressed a “very strong level of confidence” that forward indicators are pointing to a return to low and stable inflation, within the target range of 1% to 3%. Orr emphasized the importance of keeping inflation expectations and pricing intentions “anchored” as the central bank continues to monitor economic conditions.
Assistant Governor Karen Silk, speaking in a separate interview, noted that RBNZ is observing a continued decline in price and wage-setting behaviors. Silk mentioned that if this adjustment occurs more rapidly than anticipated, it could open the door for the central bank to consider a different, potentially faster path for rate cuts.
Earlier this week, RBNZ lowered the OCR by 25 bps to 5.25% and projected that it would fall below 4% by the end of 2025. Silk reiterated that RBNZ is taking a “measured approach” to policy loosening and remains committed to a data-dependent strategy.