Home Loan Rate Report: Mortgage rates are on the rise
- The RBNZ’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) was lowered to 2.25% at the last meeting of 2025 in November and is now well off the 5.50% peak
- Currently, the OCR and mortgage rates are lower than the ASB Economics team expected in reports from early 2025, due to the RBNZ cutting the OCR by more than what we initially expected
- But with inflation running higher than desired, and the economy showing signs of picking up, we now expect the RBNZ will begin tightening the OCR this year (rather than in 2027)
Contact us
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