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Views from the treehouse
Here you'll find a well-rounded set of opinions from various writers. We welcome alternative views so in line with our philosophy of fairness, we will air other thought-provoking viewpoints here from our valued and experienced friends around the globe as well as our own news and views.
Featured
Opinion: The RBNZ needs to start cutting interest rates, ASAP
Most commentators are picking it'll be late 2024 (or worse, 2025) before interest rates start falling again — but the Chief, David Cunningham, reckons there's a strong case for the RBNZ to begin dropping rates much sooner.
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Ranking New Zealand's best and worst savings accounts
Not all savings accounts are created equal, and it's worth knowing what all your options are so you can get set up with the one that best suits your savings goals. Here, we've pulled together a wrap-up of the different savings accounts available across New Zealand's main retail banks.
Rodney's Ravings: RBNZ doesn't need new labour market indicators, it needs better judgement
New research from the RBNZ highlights the four key indicators that (it believes) give us the best idea of where inflation is at, and where it's headed. But Squirrel guest blogger, Rodney Dickens, reckons it's the RBNZ's judgement that needs work more than anything.
Should we all just pack it in and move to Australia?
The economy is officially back in recession, and the prospects for a weaker labour market are scaring people. So, is everything bad and should we all go to Australia?
The housing construction decline is causing headaches
Building costs have shot up by a whopping 40% over the last 3-4 years, and when you throw in sky-high interest rates and hurdles from the Resource Management Act, developers and home buyers alike are dealing with a real headache.
Market update: Economic pain will be borrowers’ gain (eventually)
New Zealand economic data has painted a pretty sorry picture in recent months. But bad news for the economy will eventually be good news for Kiwi mortgage borrowers when it comes to the future of interest rates.
What are DTIs?
Later this year, a new set of lending restrictions - DTIs - will come into effect in New Zealand, setting rules for how much people can borrow to buy a home based on a multiple of their income. Here's what you need to know.
A submission to the Reserve Bank on proposed DTI limits
The Reserve Bank recently asked for feedback on a new set of lending restrictions - DTIs - it's looking to introduce later this year. Here's what the team at Squirrel had to say as part of our submission.
Fair game? How Kiwi are about to get a fairer deal on their banking
How do you define "fair" in the world of banking? Well, some new legislation - launching in 2025 - is about to lay down the ground rules. Here, Squirrel COO, Dave Tyrer, talks through the changes and what they could mean for banks and bank customers.
Rising listings: Construction's got some hurdles to jump
Many Kiwi who had been holding off selling their properties are now putting them up for sale. But with plenty of existing properties entering the market, the outlook has just darkened further for developers of multi-unit complexes.
Our top tips that could save you thousands on your mortgage
Over the life of your mortgage, you'll fork out at tens - probably hundreds - of thousands in interest payments. But there are tricks to help you get your home loan paid off faster, and save a packet.
Rodney's Ravings: The major flaws in the Reserve Bank's OCR decision-making
Once inflation's got its hooks in, it can take years for interest rate hikes to trickle through and reverse the damage. But, as Rodney Dickens explains, a more proactive approach from the RBNZ could go a long way to solving that problem.
Tax rules for trusts are changing: What do I need to know?
Starting 1st April 2024, the income tax rates for Trusts in New Zealand is changing from 33% to 39%. Here's what you need to know about the change.
