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Middle East escalations: what might it mean for financial markets?

02/03/2026

The weekend strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel have added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile global environment. Shamubeel discusses what the latest developments could mean for oil, financial markets and investors.

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Recent updates

Middle East escalations: what might it mean for financial markets?

Published 02/03/2026

The weekend strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel have added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile global environment. Shamubeel discusses what the latest developments could mean for oil, financial markets and investors.

read more

AI bubble - or the start of something bigger?

Published 11/12/2025

Shamubeel discusses whether he thinks we're actually in an 'AI bubble', what might happen in markets and the broader financial system if said bubble pops, and what to do to in order to prepare for whatever comes next

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KiwiSaver 2.0: Why increasing contributions is only the first step

Published 24/11/2025

Luxon’s 12.5% proposal marks a turning point for KiwiSaver, but contribution increases alone won’t future-proof our retirement system. Real progress will come from thoughtful reforms that make saving fairer and more sustainable.

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This recession is deeper and longer than the GFC

Published 18/09/2025

New Zealand’s recession is deeper and longer than past downturns, driven by high interest rates, falling investment and shrinking household spending power. Shamubeel Eaqub argues urgent policy action is needed to stabilise the economy and prepare for recovery.

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The cost of bread and milk

Published 12/09/2025

A quick run to the shop for milk and bread has gotten expensive fast. It feels symptomatic of the everyday costs that are making so many Kiwis feel worse off.

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Business is tough - so why are more businesses opening?

Published 01/09/2025

Despite a tough recession with many business closures and shrinking job numbers, New Zealand still saw more businesses start than shut in the past year. What does this unusual growth mean?

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The economic benefits of KiwiSaver in 2100

Published 27/08/2025

New Zealand’s ageing population and rising inequality raise big questions about the future of KiwiSaver - can it build resilience, fairness, and financial security for generations to come? This article explores international lessons and shows how starting earlier, contributing more,...

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Jobs are down 27k this year - but hours are down...

Published 07/08/2025

NZ's recession thus far has claimed 27k jobs over the past year. This flatters to deceive, because hours have shrunk so much. Check out Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub's latest download from the August job numbers that have just come out.

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Hardship withdrawals are rising - and telling us something important

Published 01/08/2025

More Kiwis are doing it tough. In the year to June 2025, over 53,000 people made KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals - up from around 18,000 five years ago.

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