Analysts at Westpac note that New Zealand’s retail spending posted a modest 0.2% gain in the September quarter as some of the softness was due to declines in the volatile vehicle and fuel categories.

Key Quotes

“Core spending growth also slowed following earlier temporary boosts associated with high profile sporting events.”

“We expect the December quarter retail spending figures will show that New Zealand households ended 2017 with a bang. We’re forecasting a 1.4% gain in spending over the quarter. Monthly spending figures have shown solid increases in core spending categories in recent months.”