Launching our very own podcast: Markets, Mystics & Mayhem

Published on 11 September 2024

Podcasts are all the rage these days. And we thought we'd get amongst it. Introducing our weekly podcast covering everything economics and financial markets, hosted by the Kiwibank Economics team and the occasional special guest.

  • We’re excited to launch our very own podcast: Markets, Mystics & Mayhem.
  • The first episode is up and all about central banks. Jarrod has also been up and down the country, spreading the great news (rate cuts). We cover what he’s hearing on the ground. It’s a tale of optimism.
  • You can stream the podcast on Spotify, or watch the episodes over on the Kiwibank YouTube channel.

What you can expect

It’ll be a conversation on the most important issues impacting the Kiwi economy. We will delve into the data. We will decipher policy decisions. And we will dare to deliver some bold calls and forecasts. Along the way, we hope to demystify the economic jargon. And we will look deep into our crystal ball. But above all else, we will monitor the mayhem in markets.

We hope you enjoy!

Markets, Mystics & Mayhem

Ep1: Central banks in focus

Central banks, from Washington to Wellington, are in focus. In our first episode, we dive into what central banks are doing with a focus on the Fed and what that means for NZ. We discuss the return to synchronised global monetary policy. This time, on the way down. The inflation dragon has been slain, and policy is pivoting.

The Fed is gearing up to cut rates, the Bank of Canada has pulled the trigger tree times, while the likes of the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are re-loading to deliver more. Our own central bank has also moved. The RBNZ began the cutting cycle in August, with a 25bp move – the first of 12. As economic data reflects, rate relief in Aotearoa is needed.

In this episode, we also discuss the improving outlook for the Kiwi economy. And we hear what the feeling is on the ground. Our Chief Economist, Jarrod Kerr, has been travelling right across the country spreading the good news. And receiving good news, right back. Sentiment across businesses has improved, markedly. In this episode, JK recounts the more constructive conservations he’s having with clients. The August rate cut is the gift that will keep on giving.

In keeping with the name of the podcast, we also cover our forecasts for the Kiwi housing market and the anticipated return of the Investor. We also discuss the recent rally in rates and the head-scratching moves in currency.

MMM Ep1 Central banks are in focus

Feedback welcome

We’re still new to the game. So, feedback is more than welcome. More importantly, we’re keen to hear from you. If there are any issues you’d like covered, send us an email at kiwieconomics@kiwibank.co.nz