The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast indicates a finely balanced New Zealand economy, with positive economic data, but with some risks remaining.
Economy & Tax
Sun shines on service sector – PSI
The service sector continued to show a pick-up in expansion with a seasonally adjusted PSI for February at 55.5.
Building momentum – PMI
NZ’s manufacturing sector continued to show upwards momentum since the start of 2013 with a seasonally adjusted PMI for February at 56.3.
Taxing employee allowances – more work needed to get a better approach
BusinessNZ is not convinced of the merits of IRD proposals for taxing employee allowances.
Clarity on SOE float welcomed
Clarity provided by the Supreme Court’s decision on the proposed share offer for Mighty River Power welcomed.
Capital markets report useful but more needs to be done
The Government’s final report under the Business Growth Agenda lists useful undertakings to enable better access to capital, says BusinessNZ.
Service sector starts on a positive note for 2013 – PSI
The service sector showed a pick-up in expansion for the start of 2013, with a seasonally adjusted PSI for January at 52.6.
Back in black – PMI
NZ’s manufacturing sector started 2013 with an encouraging result. The seasonally adjusted PMI for January was 55.2.
Holding pattern – PSI
The service sector continues to see its level of expansion slip lower with a seasonally adjusted PSI for December at 51.5.
Flat end to manufacturing year – PMI
NZ’s manufacturing sector year ended with a flat result with a seasonally adjusted PMI for December at 50.1.
Solid but not spectacular – PSI
The service sector remains in expansion mode, but not at the level as last month. The PSI for November was 54.1.
CER would benefit from tax change
Businesses in NZ and Australia want tax changes to get closer to a single economic market, says BusinessNZ.