NZ business confidence's traditional winter cooling not so frosty in July
By Paul McBeth
July 31 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand business confidence cooled less than normal in July as firms remained upbeat about
their own activity and were keen to take on more staff.
A net 19 percent of firms surveyed in the ANZ Business Outlook expect general business conditions to improve over the
coming year, down from 25 percent in June in a smaller monthly drop than is typical for the depths of winter. In
seasonally adjusted terms, business confidence rose 2 points to a net 28 percent, and a net 40 percent of firms
anticipate better time ahead for their own business in the coming year in the second highest reading of 2017, down from
43 percent in June.
"The economic thermometer is warm. Being upbeat about activity - and prepared to invest and employ - translates into
solid economic momentum," ANZ Bank New Zealand chief economist Cameron Bagrie said in his report. "It's pleasing to see
business sentiment (and the consumer equivalent) hold up amidst a slow-down in pro-cyclical parts of the economy."
New Zealand's economy has got a new lease of life this year with the recovery in global dairy prices reviving the rural
sector and adding to the twin planks of record tourism and immigration that have seen a rapid pace of growth in recent
years.
ANZ's Bagrie said the agriculture sector was the most optimistic about the general economy, its own activity and
profitability as a result of 44-year high terms of trade and strong commodity prices.
Of the 352 companies surveyed, a net 26 percent expect to take on more staff in the coming year, up from a net 24
percent in June, which Bagrie said was "tremendously encouraging" and shows "no let-up on the demand side of the
equation" as firms struggle to find skilled staff.
Government figures this week is expected to show continued employment growth and steady wage increases. Household
incomes have been stagnant in recent years as an expanding population has created more competition for jobs, although a
tightening supply is expected to push up salaries as firms vie more aggressively for staff.
Today's survey shows firms' investment plans shrank to a net 23 percent from 27 percent in June. A net 25 percent
anticipate bigger profits in the year to come, down from 30 percent in June, and a net 28 percent plan to raise prices,
down from 31 percent. Still, a net 33 percent see exports increasing over the coming year, up from 27 percent last
month.
Residential construction investment intentions shrank to a net 11 percent in July from 18 percent in June, while
commercial construction investment intentions dropped to 5.6 percent from 29 percent in June. Government figures today
showed new residential building permits dropped 7 percent in June with a drop in new house consents issued.
(BusinessDesk)