The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion has revealed business confidence has taken a hit for the March quarter.
Only a net 1 percent of firms expect better general economic conditions over the coming months on a seasonally adjusted basis.
EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says people were expecting the economy to get better - and this conflict put an economic 'handbrake' on recovery.
LISTEN ABOVE

Katherine Rich: BusinessNZ CEO on the impact NZ First's proposed tax cut for small and medium businesses could have
09:03

Kerre Woodham: Are these election promises worth it to you?
04:37

Campbell Parker: DairyNZ CEO on Fonterra's positive annual result
02:16