Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep38

Published on 08 July 2025

Greg Byrne, General Manager of Commercial Banking, joins us on this week’s episode to share insights into how Kiwi businesses are faring in the current climate. Optimism for the months ahead continues to grow, but the recession scars are still fresh.

Jarrod_Kerr_Profile-500x500-v2

Jarrod Kerr

Chief Economist
KB_SabrinaDelgado_Profile_500x500

Sabrina Delgado

Economist

Why the mood is up, but momentum isn't? The state of Kiwi business

Cost pressures have eased but remain elevated. All the while firms' pricing power has diminished. It’s a combination that continues to squeeze and hurt profitability. As Greg points out, the focus for many businesses is squarely on revenue. It’s clear that a sustained recovery in demand has yet to be seen. And it’s why we still advocate for more rate relief.

We also dive into business appetite towards investment & hiring, including the impacts of the Government’s ‘Investment Boost‘ scheme so far. Plus we cover the divergences in activity across sectors and regions.

MMM_Ep38
Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple

TAGS

All content is general commentary, research and information only and isn’t financial or investment advice. This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and its contents shouldn’t be relied on or used as a basis for entering into any products described in it. The views expressed are those of the authors and are based on information reasonably believed but not warranted to be or remain correct. Any views or information, while given in good faith, aren’t necessarily the views of Kiwibank Limited and are given with an express disclaimer of responsibility. Except where contrary to law, Kiwibank and its related entities aren’t liable for the information and no right of action shall arise or can be taken against any of the authors, Kiwibank Limited or its employees either directly or indirectly as a result of any views expressed from this information.

You may also be interested in

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep41

This has to be our favourite episode yet. Because we're talking about our favourite report - the Regional. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and everywhere in between, we’ve just wrapped up our annual deep dive into economic performance across the country. So how does your region stack up?

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep40

Inflation accelerated over the June quarter. But it wasn’t as bad as many had feared. And context is key. A strengthening in imported inflation is driving headline higher. But domestic price pressures, on balance, continue to cool.

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep39

After six straight meetings delivering rate cuts, the RBNZ kept the cash rate unchanged at their July meeting. So, what does it all mean? Is this the end of the cutting cycle? Or is it really just a pause? And why pause now? What will influence the August decision?... We’re diving into all the questions you might have following last week’s decision.

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep37

Our Financial Markets Trader, Mieneke Perniskie, joins us on this week’s episode to dive into the world of currency. Recent events and headlines suggest the Kiwi should be in the 50s. Yet here we are with the bird close to breaching 61c. Broader themes are in play.

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem podcast: Ep36

We’re sitting down and talking about the recent lift in inflation and how Central Banks, like the Reserve Bank, should look through these short-term inflation spikes. After all, monetary policy is set for the medium term. And in the medium term, the real risk is that inflation undershoots the RBNZ 2% mid-point.

See all