Speakers include economist Ganesh Nana and the event will see the official delivery of the petition, which urges Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis to reject corporate tax cuts.
The petition was launched in the wake of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister recently suggesting that the Budget might contain cuts in the corporate tax rate and has harnessed widespread public opposition to tax policies that disproportionately benefit corporations at the expense of essential public services.
Tax Justice Aotearoa chair Glenn Barclay says the timing of the petition’s delivery is set to coincide with the Government’s investment conference, and reinforces the call for economic policies that prioritise public wellbeing over corporate interests.
“By delivering this petition now, we seek to highlight the importance of a fair tax system that supports all New Zealanders,” Mr Barclay said.
“Cutting the amount that corporates contribute will not stimulate economic growth – it will reduce the resources that we need to ensure our public services can provide us with timely and decent care and support.
“Just reducing the corporate tax rate by 1 percentage point would result in a loss of $650m in revenue and you could do a lot with that money to make New Zealand a better place for all.
“Corporates such as the banks, power companies and supermarkets have been making record profits in recent years – we should be looking at ways in which they can contribute more, not less.”
Journalists are invited to attend the event and participate in the Q+A that follows.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2025 – In 2025, global markets are navigating a phase of economic uncertainty as potential inflationary pressures induced by trade tariffs, shifting central bank policy, and geopolitical risk shape trading conditions. Traders who integrate fundamental analysis into their strategies can navigate these uncertainties more effectively, positioning themselves ahead of major market movements. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains how traders can leverage fundamental analysis to anticipate market shifts and capitalise on economic developments.
Basics of Fundamental Analysis Fundamental analysis is a method of analysing how political and macroeconomic factors can affect the future price of an asset. Traders normally evaluate geopolitical events, economic releases, and industry trends. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic statistics, including GDP, employment data, and company profits, are employed in the analysis. For example, the German economic slowdown of 2024, driven by mounting energy prices and decreasing industrial output, led to a reduced 2025 growth forecast of just 0.3%, and this affected German equities and investor sentiment.
Government policies and central bank actions have a strong impact on market sentiment. For instance, in 2025, fresh U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports fuelled stagflation concerns, leading to a rise in gold prices while weakening risk-sensitive currencies.
‘Another recent example of how policies impact markets is when, in February 2025, President Trump put a25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminumstarting from March 12. The policy was to protect domestic industry but created a threat of rising inflation and slowing economy’, shares Kar Yong Ang. ‘The market response was quick. By the end of February,CME Midwest Domestic hot-rolled coil steelcosts hasincreased by more than 30%since Mr. Trump entered his office. American business activity dropped considerably, with the S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index dropping to 50.4 in February from 52.7 in January, its lowest levelsince 17 months ago. The fall was attributed to increasing tariffs and federal government expenditure reductions that made financial conditions tighten across industries’.
How Fundamental Analysis Differs from Technical Analysis While technical analysis focuses on price charts and trends, fundamental analysis considers broader economic and corporate financial factors to predict an asset’s value. Blending both methods enhances decision-making. Those who rely only on technical analysis risk ignoring some external factors that may drive price increases or drops, regardless of indicator-based insights. What is more, conducting both technical and fundamental analyses allows you to identify more facts to support your trading assumption or spot emerging facts that contradict your trading hypothesis. This reduces the risk of implementing speedy, chaotic decisions.
Client-focused brokers tend to include fundamental and technical analysis capabilities in their trading platforms’ toolkits. For example, Octa broker’s proprietary platform, OctaTrader, features Space, a feed of expert-curated insights embedded into the app. Space offers relevant and timely trading ideas anchored in fundamental and technical analysis and allows traders to copy these ideas to their charts in a couple of clicks, enhancing decision-making and driving more informed, precision-based trading.
Key Economic Indicators Every Trader Should Track
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A key measure of economic strength, GDP growth typically boosts investor confidence, leading to stock market gains and increased corporate investment. Conversely, a contracting GDP signals economic distress, often triggering market sell-offs, weaker consumer spending, and potential central bank interventions to stimulate growth. In 2024, the U.S. GDP grew by 2.8%, supporting stock market confidence.
Inflation Rates. Inflation is a key indicator which erodes purchasing power of a consumer and shapes monetary policy. Almost all central banks in the world set inflation targets, typically around 2%. Stable inflation is essential for long-term economic growth. To meet the target, central banks adjust their monetary policies. If inflation rises too quickly, the monetary policy is tightened: interest rates are raised to slow down spending and borrowing. Conversely, deflation often leads to reduced interest rates or stimulus packages.
Interest Rates. While central bank decisions on interest rates influence economic growth and exchange rates, investors’ expectations of the future rate changes have the greatest impact on financial markets. Traders watch closely for signals because differences in rate expectations between large economies are a key driver of currency value shifts.
Unemployment and Labour Market Data. Labour market health influences consumer spending and economic stability. Essentially, all major central banks focus on both inflation and employment. Strong labour markets are typically supportive of economic growth and can lead to monetary policy tightening if rising wage pressures raise inflation. The most watched indicator is U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), which traditionally has the biggest immediate impact on markets. A higher-than-expected NFP can harden the dollar and improve rate hike expectations, while a weak report might lead to dovish central bank warnings and low bond yields.
Trade Balance and Current Account. A balance of trade—a country’s exports over its imports—has a direct impact on the currency value. When there is a trade surplus (exports outpacing imports), the country’s currency strengthens: foreign customers have to acquire the domestic currency to settle payments for products and services, pushing demand. A trade deficit (imports exceeding exports), on the other hand, weakens the domestic currency since more money is exported to buy foreign goods, increasing the supply of the local currency in foreign markets.
How Traders Use Economic Calendars Economic calendars are essential resources for traders since they provide scheduled releases of important economic data, central bank statements, and geopolitical events.
Traders who follow the events can anticipate potential market fluctuation and prepare a potentially profitable trade or apply risk management. For example, set or adjust stop-loss, as well as close all the positions to hold out potential volatility. Itэs important to protect your funds, even if you strongly anticipate specific decisions on interest rate, inflation, and so on. From time to time, the market faces monetary policy surprises when a central bank takes an unexpected decision, urging market volatility: for example, ECB’s negative interest rates in 2014, Fed’s emergency rate cuts in 2020, or Bank of Canada’s rate hike pause in 2023.
Risk Management in Fundamental Analysis Volatility is a natural сhallenge for any trader, especially during major economic events. Central bank decisions, inflation levels, and political tensions have a tendency to trigger aggressive price movements, which render risk management a core component of any strategy. Professional traders employ hedging instruments and prudent position sizing to contain potential losses in order to control these movements.
Geopolitical events are a great example of the impact of external forces on trading. The Russia-Ukraine war, for instance, disrupted energy supplies and increased oil prices, rewarding the traders who had anticipated these shortages in supply. Those who were closely monitoring geopolitical events and taking position adjustments were able to capitalise on such price fluctuations, validating the inclusion of geopolitical analysis in trading models. President elections are another event to watch. For instance, traders who followed the 2024 US elections could have prepared for market volatility by anticipating Trump’s tariffs and his more friendly stance on the crypto industry.
By tracking key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and interest rates, traders can make long-term forecasts and adjust their positions to take advantage. Coupling fundamental knowledge with technical analysis allows to make trading strategies stronger, enhancing the decision-making process. This approach also improves risk management as traders analyse more factors and can better identify potential price movements.
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Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
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The Government will get major infrastructure projects underway faster by speeding up land acquisition and delivering fairer payments for landowners, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Land Information Minister Chris Penk say.
“The Government is committed to a strong pipeline of critical infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and productivity. While the wider Public Works Act (PWA) overhaul is continuing and on track to be completed by early next year, today we’re announcing some immediate action,” Mr Penk says.
“In the coming months, we’ll be amending the PWA to accelerate the acquisition of land needed for the public projects that are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, and the Roads of National Significance listed in the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024. It is intended that amendments will come into force six months before wider PWA review amendments.
“Public infrastructure projects up and down the country are often held up for years by overly complex, drawn-out processes for purchasing the land needed. This has meant that projects which would provide massive benefits for communities end up stalled, with the only action happening in courtrooms.”
“Basically, as a country, we’ve accepted too many reasons to say no. The result has been long, drawn-out legal battles over land acquisitions that have cost time, money and livelihoods. All New Zealanders deserve better – not only those who will benefit from a project, but also the people whose land is needed for it. It’s time to say yes to getting stuff done,” Mr Bishop says.
“We are going to overhaul the Public Works Act to tear down these roadblocks. As part of the reforms, we will put premium payments on the table for landowners whose land needs to be purchased for major public infrastructure projects, and we’ll create a streamlined objections process for nationally and regionally significant projects.”
The amended legislation will feature:
Incentive payments: To encourage early agreements, landowners who voluntarily sell their land before a Notice of Intention is issued will receive an additional premium payment equal to 15 percent of their land’s value, with a maximum payment of $150,000.
Recognition payments: All landowners whose land is acquired under the accelerated process will receive a five percent recognition payment, acknowledging the critical role their land plays in delivering essential infrastructure, with a maximum payment of $92,000.
Replacement objections process: Landowners who object to land acquisition for critical infrastructure projects will no longer go through the Environment Court. They will instead submit their objections directly to the relevant decision-maker, either the Minister for Land Information or the local authority, for faster resolution.
“Objections to the compulsory acquisition of land under the Public Works Act can massively slow down delivery of critical infrastructure projects, causing significant time delays and cost increases.
“These delays and cost increases are unacceptable, which is why the Government is prioritising amendments to the PWA related to critical infrastructure now,” Mr Bishop says.
“Over the past ten years, 49 objections have been received for compulsory land acquisitions just for NZ Transport Agency projects.
“The new accelerated objections process will mean we can work through any objections far more quickly. Then we can get on with delivering important infrastructure projects that will help grow our economy so New Zealanders can get ahead.”
The proposal supports the Coalition Agreement between National and New Zealand First to prioritise strategic infrastructure and simplify the planning system.
A draft Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in May, with the public invited to provide feedback through the select committee process.
Note to Editor:
The new streamlined objections process will cover some projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act that qualify as public works where it could significantly reduce project delays.
The process will also apply to the Roads of National Significance identified in the 2024 Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
Two existing protections for landowners will remain: a landowner’s ability to challenge the land value to be compensated (via the Land Valuation Tribunal) and the right to seek judicial review of official decision making claimed to be “unreasonable”.
Owners of protected Māori land will gain the benefit of the payments; however, they will retain the right to object to the Environment Court.
Initiatives announced this week underscore the Government’s commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“We are relentlessly focused on improving health outcomes and ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare.“That’s why we are spending more on health than ever before – a record $30 billion each year.“Making it easier for people to see a doctor or nurse at their local GP clinic in a timely manner is a key part of this.“That’s why I announced a significant package this week to improve access to primary care and boost the primary care workforce, including:
100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors to work in primary care. Incentives for primary care to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses per year for five years. A $285 million uplift to funding over three years for general practice from 1 July, in addition to the capitation uplift general practice receives annually. An increase in the number of training placements for doctors at medical schools by a further 25 each year, meaning 100 more doctor training places will be added over the course of this Government. Up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings. A new 24/7 digital service for all New Zealanders to be able to access online medical appointments. Up to 120 training places for nurse practitioners specialising in primary care. Accelerating advanced tertiary education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses.
“Strengthening urgent and after-hours care will also be a focus of mine as part of our plan to enable faster access to primary care, and work on this is underway.“We are also focused on delivering better outcomes for those with cancer, including earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes.“This week, I was pleased to announce that the Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia, which is 45 years old. By delivering the first step of lowering the age to 58, more lives will be saved.“We know that improving screening rates is crucial, which is why we also announced a significant investment for targeted initiatives that aim to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates, such as Māori, Asian, and Pacific Peoples.“This follows our decision to extend breast screening to women aged 70 to 74 and our $604 million boost to Pharmac over four years to deliver new cancer treatments and medicines.“Finally this week, I outlined my key five priorities as Minister of Health to put the focus firmly back on patients:
Focusing Health New Zealand on delivering the basics. Fixing primary healthcare. Reducing emergency department wait times. Clearing the elective surgery backlog. Investing in health infrastructure.
“Our plan supports our Government’s wider commitment to rebuild the economy, restore law and order, and deliver better health, education, and infrastructure for every New Zealander. Kiwis want action, and I am focused on delivering real change at pace.“We will not stop until our health system delivers timely, quality care to all New Zealanders.”
International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for businesses to use the Gender Pay Gap Toolkit to drive down the gender pay gap, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.
“The gender pay gap sits at 8.2 percent and the Retirement Commission has found a 36 percent gap in the amount women and men are putting into KiwiSaver each year which is primarily caused by the gender pay gap, rather than contribution rates.
“Until women have equal choice, equal opportunities – and are valued equally – there is more work to be done.
“My top priority as Minister for Women is to support women to economic empowerment because not only does it give women more choice, but it has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the economy.
“Last year I announced the first ever government-backed gender pay gap toolkit. So far, we’ve had over 16,000 visits to the site and 750 downloads of the workbook.
“While I’m pleased with the uptake we’ve had so far, we know there are many more businesses and organisations yet to engage,” Ms Grigg says.
“The Government is working to improve economic outcomes for women through lifting incomes, supporting pathways into education and the labour market, increasing paid parental leave, and driving change in key areas that impact women’s employment, such as women in leadership and the gender pay gap.
“The gender pay gap isn’t just a statistic – it reflects systemic barriers that hold women back. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is accelerating action and making real impact and progress.
“Today I challenge all businesses to accelerate their own actions towards closing their gender pay gap by using the gender pay gap calculator on the Ministry for Women’s website.
“To all women and girls across New Zealand, I wish you a very happy International Women’s Day.”
A new plan to grow the aquaculture industry will boost the economy and provide vital jobs that support regional communities, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones launched the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025 – 2030 at the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival in Marlborough today. Mr Jones also announced a loan of nearly $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to improve Havelock Marina, a key piece of infrastructure for the mussel industry in Marlborough. The Aquaculture Development Plan is the roadmap for growing New Zealand’s aquaculture industry to $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035. “I’ve never been shy about my ambitions for the aquaculture sector. The Coalition Government is supporting marine farmers to flourish. “The industry brings in $760m in annual revenue and employs more than 3000 Kiwis. The Development Plan sets out the steps we will take to grow it to a $3b a year industry and double the jobs.” The Government has already taken significant steps over the past year to support aquaculture including extending marine consents, passing the Fast-track Approvals Act, giving the final seal of approval to New Zealand’s first open ocean salmon farm, and investing $11.72m in a project to boost open ocean aquaculture around New Zealand. The plan outlines the key factors identified for industry growth over the next 10 years, including making the most of existing marine farms, growing production through open ocean aquaculture, supporting Māori leadership in the sector through the aquaculture settlement, farming new species and supporting new technology. “The plan launched today recognises that aquaculture is a key industry for the prosperity of the nation and shows what the Coalition Government will do to deliver a bigger and better aquaculture sector for New Zealand,” Mr Jones says. On the $9.9m RIF loan to improve Havelock Marina, Mr Jones said it was a central hub for New Zealand’s greenshell mussel industry. The marina supports various aquaculture activities, including processing, maintenance and support services. The funding will be used to dredge the marina channel and basin to enable safe and unrestricted access for commercial users and residents. Storm events in 2021 and 2022 resulted in silt building up in the channel, reducing the depth at low tide and reducing vessel movements – causing congestion and limiting access to services. Construction of three replacement jetties will enable increased traffic and minimise impacts of flooding and climate change. The construction and dredging work will generate up to 54 jobs. Marlborough produces about 60 per cent of all New Zealand’s exported aquaculture products. On average 65,000 tonnes of greenshell mussels and about 6000 tonnes of salmon are harvested each year in Marlborough, together earning more than $300million in exports. “The current situation at Havelock is an unacceptable roadblock to growth; this RIF funding will help unlock access to the marina for commercial use as well as provide the local community with an alternative, resilient access,” Mr Jones says. The total cost of the project is $19.8m, which includes $9.9m co-funding from Port Marlborough. Read the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025 – 2030.
All outdoor fires will be banned across the whole of Northland Region from midnight tonight (Saturday 8 March) until further notice because of the high fire danger and extreme fire conditions.
Fire and Emergency has extended the prohibited fire season already in place for some areas to cover the entire region.
District Manager Wipari Henwood says that the continuing dry, hot and often windy conditions mean that it is too dangerous to light any outdoor fires, as they will quickly get out of control and be very difficult for firefighters to extinguish.
Crews are still working to put out vegetation fires at Mangakahia and Otaua, and Fire and Emergency is continuing to monitor the sites of recent large fires at Waipoua and Kaimaumau.
“We have a huge fire risk at present and all of the recent fires are taking their toll on our firefighters,” Wipari Henwood says. “Over 90 percent of Northland’s firefighters are volunteers, so the constant call-outs don’t just have an impact on them but on their families and their employers or their own businesses too.”
As well as the ban on lighting fires, Wipari Henwood says people should pause all outdoor activities that generate sparks, including grinding, mowing, welding and using chainsaws until there has been significant rain. Two of this week’s fires were caused by sparks from grinders setting fire to vegetation.
“It only takes one spark to ignite a fire in these conditions. People have the best of intentions, but the consequences are severe when a fire starts. We hope the community will get behind us on this until the current conditions ease.”
Wherever you are in New Zealand, go tocheckitsalright.nzto find out what fire restrictions apply to your location, and for advice on how to protect your whānau and whenua from wildfires.
