New Zealand BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index fell from 51.1 to 48.8 in December, back into contraction territory. This downturn also brings the index below long-term average of 53.4. The increase in negative sentiment is evident, with the proportion of negative comments rising from 54.0% to 58.7%. The primary concerns expressed by businesses revolve around seasonal factors, increasing costs of living, and an overall economic slowdown.
Breaking down the PSI, several key components showed declines. Activity and sales dropped from 48.7 to 47.1, employment fell from 50.6 to 47.5, and new orders/business dipped from 52.2 to 51.2. Additionally, stocks and inventories decreased from 55.0 to 51.5, while supplier deliveries also saw a reduction from 52.8 to 50.5.
Stephen Toplis, BNZ’s Head of Research noted that the softening in PSI, combined with the previously reported weakness in Performance of Manufacturing Index, paints a concerning picture for New Zealand’s near-term economic growth and employment. While tourism has been a critical driver for the services sector and is expected to continue supporting the economy, Toplis emphasized that it cannot solely bear the burden of economic revitalization.
