Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December.

The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ. 

That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is a sign green shoots are returning to the economy.

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Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December.
The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ.&nbsp;
That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is a sign green shoots are returning to the economy.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on retail spending being 'stronger than expected' for December

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ef20cb4a-c099-4b23-a8ad-b26c0073432e/transcript