Here are the key things you need to know before you leave work today.
BARFOOT'S SALES RISE, OR FALL?
The big Auckland realtor claimed its sales level was up in March - "80% higher than February" - but a closer reading shows March's volumes were actually lower than the same month a year ago. Average and median prices were up, but that may have been because of the very low number of middle and lower end houses sold. There is even anecdotal evidence that the expensive houses they are selling are selling below CV in some cases. There's just relatively more of them selling than in earlier periods, which is moving the averages up.
SMALL FIRMS VERY CONFIDENT
ANZ has been surveying small businesses in its Micro Scope survey. "We’re seeing a groundswell of business optimism which has now spread across the business community. The Canterbury rebuild has helped to spark this upswing but it’s really promising that we are now seeing confidence grow right across the country."
BNZ PROTECTS SPECIALS
BNZ has raised most fixed mortgage rates today, but it held back on its two and three year specials.
WHOLESALE RATES
Swap rates were basically unchanged today with a hint of softness. The worlds awaits tomorrow's American Non-Farm Payrolls report. The 90 day bank bill rates fell by 1 bp today and now at 3.17%.
OUR CURRENCY
The NZ dollar has had a lazy day of trading today and is currently at 85.5 USc. It's at 92.6 AUc, and the TWI is just below 80.
FALL BACK
Remember, daylight saving ends this weekend. You get an extra hour of shut-eye on Sunday morning.
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