New Zealand Business Confidence Surges Despite Soft Demand
New Zealand businesses are showing growing optimism about the economy, despite ongoing weak demand for their products and services. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) reported that a net 43% of firms anticipate economic improvement in the next six months, marking the highest seasonal adjustment since 2014.
The survey, conducted in the third quarter of 2026, revealed that more companies plan to hire workers and invest in the coming months. This upbeat outlook comes even as demand remains soft, suggesting that businesses are looking beyond current challenges.
The NZIER's quarterly survey of business opinion highlighted this resilience, with firms appearing confident about future growth prospects. The data indicates a shift in sentiment, potentially signaling stronger economic activity ahead.