The financial markets see no chance the Reserve Bank will raise the official cash rate on Thursday, so their focus will be on how the accompanying monetary policy statement describes the balance of risks going forward.

The Reserve Bank has released a consultation paper on the macro-prudential instruments it wants to add to its toolbox.

Bill English says the greatest influence on the housing market will continue to be interest rates and supply constraints created by the planning system, writes Brian Fallow.

The higher the exchange rate is, the lower interest rates can be, writes Brian Fallow. Asset price inflation, in the Auckland housing market at any rate, is alive and well.

There are no simple solutions available to the Reserve Bank to deal with a New Zealand dollar that is significantly overvalued, says governor Graeme Wheeler.

The exchange rate is too high, Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says, but there are no simple solutions available to the bank to lower it.

The high kiwi dollar means it's a great time to be an importer or to go on holiday.

New Zealand retail sales recorded the fastest growth in six years in the fourth quarter, sending the kiwi dollar to its highest level in five years.

The NZ dollar has risen above 85 US cents for the first time since September 2011 amid expectations retail sales figures today will add to a string of strong data.