The Reserve Bank governor has kept the official cash rate at 2.5 per cent, though he'll mull a hike if the momentum in housing spurs broader inflation.

The Prime Minister says first home buyers remain 'a priority' for the govt, but he's stopped short of endorsing a suggestion from one of his ministers.

Financial markets see almost no chance Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler will move the official cash rate from its all-time low of 2.5 per cent.

First-time home buyers struggling to scrape together a deposit may soon be given a lending hand through changes to the KiwiSaver scheme.

Inflation falls to a 14-year low, thanks to cheap imported petrol helping to counter rising housing-related prices.

Auckland house prices edged up for a second month in June in the face of fewer listings and intense demand among property buyers, according to Barfoot & Thompson.

Moody's Investors Service has given the Australian economy an upbeat assessment and says its currency's rating remains stable.