There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment.

Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December.

Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026.

Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings.

"It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are." 

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There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment.
Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December.
Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026.
Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings.
"It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are."&nbsp;
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 whether unemployment is set to get worse again

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d2fca9eb-0070-41e8-8be9-b44200646308/transcript