A shinier job market outlook, with growth ticking up.  

The number of filled jobs lifted a seasonally adjusted 0.2% from July to August and 0.9% from last year.  

Gaps between sectors are starting to close, with gains for industries like construction and retail after months of decline.  

ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking the encouraging thing about the data is it shows demand for labour is still there. 

He says if it weren't for the Middle East conflict, the economy would be absolutely booming and job growth would be much stronger. 

But, Smith says, it suggests the unemployment rate will be heading downwards from here. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A shinier job market outlook, with growth ticking up. &nbsp;
The number of filled jobs lifted a seasonally adjusted 0.2% from July to August and 0.9% from last year. &nbsp;
Gaps between sectors are starting to close, with gains for industries like construction and retail after months of decline. &nbsp;
ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking the encouraging thing about the data is it shows demand for labour is still there.&nbsp;
He says if it weren't for the Middle East conflict, the economy would be absolutely booming and job growth would be much stronger.&nbsp;
But, Smith says, it suggests the unemployment rate will be heading downwards from here.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on annual job growth hitting 0.9%

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dd3b4429-90b9-493c-b571-b4d3014d556f/transcript