Home Loan Rate Report: Mortgage rate increases remain on the horizon
- The RBNZ did not lift the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in August as widely expected, instead pausing because of the latest COVID-19 outbreak and related Alert Level 4 lockdown.
- The pause to assess the latest developments is entirely appropriate, but OCR increases are still on the cards for upcoming meetings, and more mortgage rate increases are expected.
- The ASB Economics team thinks every Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) meeting should be considered “live” for Official Cash Rate (OCR) increases, although the latest COVID-19 outbreak is a reminder that the situation is fluid.
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Chris Tennent-Brown
ASB Wealth Senior Economist
Chris has worked as an economist for ASB and Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney since 2005. His work has involved monitoring and forecasting trends in the New Zealand economy, with a focus on drawing implications for financial markets and investments. Chris is passionate about savings issues, and much of his current work is focussed on broadening peoples understanding of investments. Chris obtained a Bachelor of Commerce at Auckland University, majoring in Economics, and prior to joining ASB worked in the funds management industry for Bankers Trust and BT Funds Management. With over 20 years' experience in finance, Chris has also spent several years farming, and was a New Zealand representative cyclist. When not at work, Chris likes to travel, cycle, and spend time with his family and numerous pets.
- Email: Chris
