The NBNZ Business Outlook is an economic indicator for New Zealand which measures present business conditions. It is established from a monthly study of around 1500 business across New Zealand which asks respondents to percentage the year future commercial outlook. It helps to examine the business conditions in the short term. A growing trend specifies an upsurge in business investment which may lead to higher economic growth and output levels.
The NBNZ Business Outlook index rose to -41.8 points in May 2020 from a record low of previous month -66.6, which was the lowest reading since 32 years due to coronavirus pandemic. There is an improvement in business outlook as the New Zealand government relaxed rules of social distancing and lockdown restrictions. In May 2020, the investment, exports expectations, capacity utilization and employment intentions, residential constructions, commercial buildings and pricing intentions became less harmful.
The report of NBNZ Business Outlook is released monthly except for January, usually on last day of reporting month at 13:00 GMT by National Bank of New Zealand. Reading below 50 indicates pessimism, and above 50 suggests optimism.