‘Plan for the worst, but hope for the best’: Households to remain under pressure until 2027

Journalist·NZ Herald·4 Oct, 2026 04:00 PM3 mins to read‌A combination of high fuel costs, flat to falling house prices, a soft labour market and rising interest rates are expected to keep households on the sidelines. Photo / 123rfHouseholds are likely to remain under pressure until 2027 as higher fuel prices and a weak New Zealand dollar are expected to keep inflation elevated for longer, ASB economists say. In its latest Quarterly Economic Forecast, ASB has lowered its growth outlook and raised its inflation forecasts for the final