New Zealand's central bank holds rates at 2.25%, sees accommodative policy for some time

BY Reuters | ECONOMIC | 02/17/26 08:12 PM EST

WELLINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - New Zealand's central bank held its ?interest rates steady at ?2.25% on Wednesday, ?as widely expected, adding that ?the monetary policy ?stance ?needs to remain accommodative for some ?time ?to support the economic recovery.

Wrapping up its ?first meeting ?chaired ?by Governor Anna Breman, the Reserve Bank of New ?Zealand, however, did ?flag policy settings would gradually normalise as the recovery strengthened.

Markets ?had ?widely wagered on ?a hold after ?the RBNZ signalled it was done easing policy late last year, having slashed rates by 325 basis ?points to foster an economic recovery. (Reporting by ?Stella Qiu; ?Editing by Sam ?Holmes)

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Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

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