Mid way through July and we still seem to waiting for winter to really hit us. Ski fields are operating visitors are in town but somehow it just doesn’t seem to have the normal winter feel.

Banks seem to be moving targets with the media at present, I think this level of oversight will continue for some time. From a consumer point of view this isn’t too bad a situation as the banks will be very conscious of trying to put their best foot forward as being customer centric as part of an ongoing PR response. That does not mean that they will forego any of their fundamental assessment process’ it simply means they will listen!!!

Comments in the market place seem to indicate that low rates will continue to operate for some time to come which is again a good news story for consumers who want to borrow, on the flip side it is not good news for investors. I believe the major issue that will impact interest rates is the ongoing review / implementation from Reserve Bank of the capital adequacy ratio. If this comes into force it will means banks will have to increase amount of capital held in reserve. This will have an immediate impact on lending rates applied, the quantum is not yet known but it will be significant. So perhaps the best message is to look at fixing now whilst low rates are available.

Yes, it is winter, yes, Ice Hockey is being played and yes, my team Sky City Stampede are really playing well. To date they have only dropped one game for the season and lead the National League standings. They are away this weekend to Auckland to play Botany Swarm who are placed second. The aim is to pick up two wins this weekend and that will guarantee us a home final. Go Stampede.

If Michelle or I can help in any way don’t hesitate to contact us.

Cheers

Charlie & Michelle

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Signs of life are returning to the Auckland housing market, with prices rising across the city for the second month in a row. While prices are still down on a quarterly and annual basis, confidence seems to be returning as the market gets ready for spring. Even though the gains are modest at this stage, they come during winter when the market is normally struggling.  House prices are also up across New Zealand on a monthly basis, with quarterly prices down and modest gains recorded for the year.

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