WELLINGTON, May 8, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand’s central bank cut
interest rates to a record low Wednesday, the first reduction in two-and-a-
half years as policymakers look to provide support in the face of slowing
economic growth.
The move comes as central banks around the world take a more dovish stance
on monetary policy as the global economy stutters and the China-US trade war
rumbles along.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced the official cash rate to 1.5
percent from 1.75 percent, where it has been since November 2016, and just
months after saying it expected it to keep them on hold until 2021.
“The (bank) decided a lower OCR is necessary to support the outlook for
employment and inflation consistent with its policy remit,” governor Adrian
Orr said.
The New Zealand dollar dropped half a US cent to 65.55 US cents after the
announcement.
Economic growth had slipped below 3.0 percent in 2018, with primary
industries accounting for much of the drop.
Orr said the outlook for employment growth was subdued and inflation was
expected to rise slowly.
“Given this employment and inflation outlook, a lower OCR now is most
consistent with achieving our objectives and provides a more balanced outlook
for interest rates,” he said.
He cited an uncertain global outlook, poor business sentiment and
“softness” in the housing market as some of the reasons behind the decision.
The lower global growth, particularly in major trading partners such as
China and Australia, prompted the bank to take action.