OCR rises to 2.5% - but is the economy really recovering?
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?In this episode, DC and JB 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.They also discuss:Why mortgage rates may not rise much further Whether house prices are close to a turning pointWhy Auckland and the South Island are telling very different property storiesHow the upcoming election could affect business confidence and investmentThe long-term impact AI and technology could have on inflation, productivity and interest ratesIf you're wondering what the latest OCR decision means for your mortgage, investments or the wider economy, this episode if for you. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with DC david@squirrel.co.nz.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 Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.