- Consumer spending growth was steady.
- The housing market recovery continued. Supply rose to match demand and house price inflation stabilised.
- Export growth continued to strengthen modestly.
- Investment intentions rose a little further.
- Manufacturing production growth increased, with a marked pickup evident in domestic demand.
- Construction output growth also ticked up.
- Service sector output growth was steady.
- Employment intentions rose and skill shortages intensified.
- Capacity pressures rose slightly.
- Pay pressures were generally little changed, but were expected to grow next year.
- Input price inflation eased back, reflecting lower prices of oil and some metals.
- Manufacturing output price inflation was steady. Consumer price inflation eased slightly.
Published on
17 October 2006
Agents' summary of business conditions - October 2006