Economics and strategy

How we can help you

We provide our corporate and institutional clients with innovative research and practical general advice on the operating environment as well as specific guidance on both tactical and strategic matters.

Our research team combines traditional macroeconomics and forecasting with tactical and strategic market research, proprietary analytics and regulatory insight to provide general advice relating to the direct and indirect risks facing our clients.

The opinion of Westpac Economics on the economy and markets is highly sought after, complemented by our experienced strategy teams across the fixed income, currency and commodity worlds in Australia and New Zealand.

Our methodology is fundamentally driven and empirically grounded. Our experts across economics and strategy have a wide range of experience and expertise gained in both the public and private sectors, both in our home markets and abroad.

We produce and maintain a number of proprietary macroeconomic datasets including benchmark surveys of consumer sentiment in Australia and New Zealand.

Wholesale Foreign Exchange rates

Information is publicly available from online sources, including the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) website. For further information, please speak to your Westpac Foreign Exchange Dealer.

Westpac IQ

Westpac IQ is our complete source of economic and financial markets commentary along with trends shaping industry, innovation and sustainability, powered by our institutional bank expertise. Westpac IQ is world-class thinking in real time, helping you navigate the effects of global events in any corner of the world.

Find out more about Westpac IQ

Contact Westpac IQ: westpaciq@westpac.com.au

Latest economic articles

NZ Forecast update: Higher oil prices to keep inflation close to the top of the RBNZ’s target band

March 10 2026 •
5 mins

With oil prices surging, we’ve revised up our forecast for NZ inflation over 2026. But even with a stronger near-term inflation outlook, the RBNZ is not expected to hike rates sooner than previously anticipated.

By Satish Ranchhod

Healthcare in New Zealand: The changing role of the private sector

March 10 2026 •
20 mins

This report looks at how private and public healthcare providers can work together to ensure that New Zealand’s health system continues to deliver a world-class service.

By Paul Clark