Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
India Budget 2025 Highlights Manufacturing Push but Falls Short of Market Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
South Korea Exports Surge in January on AI Chip Demand, Marking Fastest Growth in 4.5 Years 
Asian Markets Slide as Silver Volatility, Earnings Season, and Central Bank Meetings Rattle Investors 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
New Zealand’s economic outlook received a strong boost in November as business confidence surged to its highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest ANZ Bank Business Outlook survey. The report indicates growing optimism across key industries, reinforcing expectations that the country may be entering a meaningful period of economic recovery after prolonged uncertainty.
The survey revealed that a net 67.1% of respondents expect overall economic conditions to improve over the next year, a notable rise from the 58.1% recorded in October. This sharp increase in sentiment suggests that businesses are feeling more assured about market stability, demand resilience, and the broader financial environment. Many analysts view rising business confidence as an early signal of stronger investment activity, job creation, and productivity gains—all essential components for sustained economic growth.
In addition to optimism about the national economy, business owners also expressed confidence in the performance of their own companies. A net 53.1% of firms anticipate growth in their operations over the coming year, up from 44.6% last month. This shift reflects improving expectations around sales, profitability, and expansion opportunities, further supporting the view that business conditions are turning a corner.
Economists note that the rebound in sentiment may be driven by easing inflation pressures, improved supply-chain stability, and signs of stronger domestic and global demand. If these trends persist, New Zealand could experience a gradual but steady recovery that strengthens both consumer and business activity.
The ANZ survey remains a closely watched indicator of economic momentum, and November’s figures highlight a renewed sense of confidence that could shape business decisions heading into the new year. As optimism spreads, New Zealand’s economic landscape appears poised for a positive shift, signaling potential growth across sectors and encouraging a more robust outlook for 2025.
