2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations.

The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth thanks to the AI boom, but the Middle East conflict has continued to generate concerns.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations.
The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth thanks to the AI boom, but the Middle East conflict has continued to generate concerns.
Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.

Best of Business

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the state of the markets at the mid-point of 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0ee151df-b6d7-44a6-8032-b47a0081d595/transcript

There's hopes compulsory KiwiSaver can help New Zealand catch up to Australia's economy. 

The National Party is campaigning on making KiwiSaver mandatory for all workers, and for gradually raising the matching rate to six percent. 

NZ Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann says he wants to see a bipartisan effort and for the Labour Party to get on board. 

He says people will need to get used to that six percent figure. 

"They're at higher levels than that in Australia - it's painful in the short term, but they do cope. And then, you move on and then you forget about it and you just look at that giant figure on your KiwiSaver statement."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's hopes compulsory KiwiSaver can help New Zealand catch up to Australia's economy.&nbsp;
The National Party is campaigning on making KiwiSaver mandatory for all workers, and for gradually raising the matching rate to six percent.&nbsp;
NZ Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann says he wants to see a bipartisan effort and for the Labour Party to get on board.&nbsp;
He says people will need to get used to that six percent figure.&nbsp;
"They're at higher levels than that in Australia - it's painful in the short term, but they do cope. And then, you move on and then you forget about it and you just look at that giant figure on your KiwiSaver statement."
LISTEN ABOVE

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor at Large calls for bipartisan effort to reform KiwiSaver

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f789bde4-1a65-4a01-9697-b47d017df4b3/transcript

A Michelin-trained chef has criticised the Michelin Guide after Tuesday night’s inaugural awards ceremony in a post on social media.

Jack Crosti, who has worked for Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Europe, voiced his support for Michelin coming to New Zealand, but described the ceremony as a 'joke' and questioned the selection process.

He says this was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event for chefs and operators and it wasn't delivered properly.

"It felt very disconnected...some restaurants were left out, some others were included, there's no consistency, really." 

LISTEN ABOVE

A Michelin-trained chef has criticised the Michelin Guide after Tuesday night’s inaugural awards ceremony in a post on social media.
Jack Crosti, who has worked for Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Europe, voiced his support for Michelin coming to New Zealand, but described the ceremony as a 'joke' and questioned the selection process.
He says this was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event for chefs and operators and it wasn't delivered properly.
"It felt very disconnected...some restaurants were left out, some others were included, there's no consistency, really."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Crosti: Auckland chef explains why he was disappointed with this week's Michelin ceremony

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5abd6dad-c4a7-434f-8771-b47b0071e988/transcript

Finding a deal online is getting harder and harder, according to new reports.

Delivery software firm Shippit has found standard New Zealand delivery fees have risen 30 cents this year, to an average of $10.

Express delivery's gone up $3 to average $17.40

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says it's down to global factors. 

"When the Middle East crisis started, we know that freight companies increase their prices immediately." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Finding a deal online is getting harder and harder, according to new reports.
Delivery software firm Shippit has found standard New Zealand delivery fees have risen 30 cents this year, to an average of $10.
Express delivery's gone up $3 to average $17.40
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says it's down to global factors.&nbsp;
"When the Middle East crisis started, we know that freight companies increase their prices immediately."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the increase in delivery fees in online shopping

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3265a97e-4d21-4c86-ac03-b47b00680513/transcript

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the state of the markets at the mid-point of 2026

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