New Zealand’s CPI rose 0.5% qoq in Q2, slightly below expectations for 0.6% qoq. Annual inflation ticked up to 2.7% yoy from 2.5% yoy but still undershot 2.8% yoy forecast. Headline inflation remained comfortably within the RBNZ’s target range of 1-3%. Tradeables inflation climbed sharply to 1.2% yoy from 0.3% yoy. Non-tradeables eased to 3.7% yoy from 4.0% yoy, indicating moderating domestic pressures.
The quarterly print showed notable increases in cultural services (+9.5% qoq), electricity (+4.9% qoq), and vegetables (+10.0% qoq), which together accounted for over 70% of the total quarterly CPI rise. However, these gains were partially offset by a -4.8% qoq drop in petrol prices and -9.2% qoq decline in domestic accommodation services.
