NZ: Employment Confidence Index rose to 121.3 in the Dec quarter - Westpac

Michael Gordon, senior economist at Westpac, notes that the New Zealand’s Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index rose strongly to 121.3 in the December 2018 quarter, reaching its highest level since March 2008.

Key Quotes

“Confidence in the labour market rose strongly in December, reaching its highest level since early 2008.”

“Households’ perceptions of job opportunities have continued to rise, as demand for workers has remained strong and the pool of unemployed jobseekers has fallen.”

“Employment confidence rebounded in Auckland and Waikato, and remains particularly high in Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay and Southland.”