Key graphs
The key graphs summarise macroeconomic and financial market trends in New Zealand.
The Consumers Price Index (CPI) measures changes to the prices of consumer items bought by New Zealand households, giving a measure of inflation. Data is available from 1920.
Since March 1999, the Reserve Bank has used the Official Cash Rate (OCR) as its tool for controlling inflation. By setting the OCR, the Reserve Bank is able to influence short-term interest rates such as the 90-day bank bill rate, as well as long-term interest rates and the foreign exchange rate. Data on the OCR and 90-day bank bill rate is available from 1990.
The trade weighted index (TWI) measures the value of the New Zealand dollar (NZD) against New Zealand's major trading partners. It is the Reserve Bank's preferred summary measure for capturing the medium-term effect of exchange rate changes on the New Zealand economy and inflation. Data on the TWI and NZD/USD exchange rate is available from 1970.
Gross domestic product (GDP) represents the value of all goods and services produced in New Zealand. GDP is New Zealand's official measure of economic growth. Data for New Zealand and selected trading partners is available from 1990.
The current account records New Zealand's transactions in goods, services, income, and current transfers with the rest of the world. Data is available from 1970.
Average floating and two year fixed mortgage rates offered to new customers for residential home loans. Data is available from 1964.
Housing is a central part of the New Zealand economy as it is a major source of investment for many New Zealanders. Data on the price and value of houses is available from 1979.
Household debt includes mortgage loans and consumer debt. Data on New Zealand's household debt and debt servicing ratio is available from 1991.
New Zealand's official employment and unemployment statistics are sourced from the Household Labour Force Survey. Data on the number of people employed in New Zealand and the unemployment rate is available from 1970.