The Official Cash Rate is expected to rise this year, although forecasters say predicting when is tricky.

Inflation was stronger in the December quarter than expected, at 3.1 percent.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is picking a hike in November - with an outside possibility of one in May. 

He says other signs in the market signal a possible increase. 

"Actual bank rates for longer-term mortgages have already started to increase a touch this year."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Official Cash Rate is expected to rise this year, although forecasters say predicting when is tricky.
Inflation was stronger in the December quarter than expected, at 3.1 percent.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is picking a hike in November - with an outside possibility of one in May.&nbsp;
He says other signs in the market signal a possible increase.&nbsp;
"Actual bank rates for longer-term mortgages have already started to increase a touch this year."
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 the possibility of the OCR going up later this year

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c7553d63-7789-495c-92e0-b3e00055183c/transcript