New Zealand's central bank lifted interest rates for the second time in as many months on Wednesday, driven by rising inflationary pressures and as an easing of coronavirus restrictions supported economic activity. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) raised the official cash rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 0.75% in the final policy meeting of the year, saying it was appropriate to continue reducing monetary stimulus to maintain price stability and support maximum sustainable employment. All but two of 23 economists in a Reuters poll predicted the RBNZ would raise rates by 25 basis points at the meeting. Markets ... (full story)