{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6451ce3884f634001112fa62/6a55617d08f5afd1342f9b7f?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"OCR rises to 2.5% - but is the economy really recovering?","description":"<p>The Reserve Bank lifted the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.5% on 8 July 2026 — but does that mean New Zealand's economy is finally turning a corner?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, <a href=\"https://www.squirrel.co.nz/our-team/leadership-team/david-cunningham\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">DC</a> and <a href=\"https://www.squirrel.co.nz/our-team/property-finance-managers/john-bolton-jb\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">JB</a> discuss why the Reserve Bank made the call, whether more OCR hikes are likely, and why they're not convinced the recovery is as strong as policymakers expect.</p><p><br></p><p>They also discuss:</p><ul><li>Why mortgage rates may not rise much further </li><li>Whether house prices are close to a turning point</li><li>Why Auckland and the South Island are telling very different property stories</li><li>How the upcoming election could affect business confidence and investment</li><li>The long-term impact AI and technology could have on inflation, productivity and interest rates</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you're wondering what the latest OCR decision means for your mortgage, investments or the wider economy, this episode if for you.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with DC <a href=\"mailto:david@squirrel.co.nz\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">david@squirrel.co.nz</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided reflects personal views and is not necessarily representative of the opinions of <a href=\"https://www.squirrel.co.nz/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Squirrel</a>. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action.</p>","author_name":"Squirrel Group"}