Interest rates come down: how could this affect your finances?

April 23, 2025

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recently announced a drop in the official cash rate. The final impact of this drop can be both positive and negative for your small business, so it’s worth understanding the effect interest rate changes can have.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recently announced a drop in the official cash rate (OCR) (https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/monetary-policy/about-monetary-policy/the-official-cash-rate).

Let’s take a look at how a drop in interest rates may affect your finances.

Reduced cost of borrowing

Lower interest rates on loans. This directly translates to lower interest payments on your existing loans and potentially more favourable interest rates on any new loans you take out.

Increased access to credit: With lower borrowing costs, you may find it easier to secure financing for expansion, investment in new equipment, or to overcome and present challenges.

Improved Cashflow

Reduced debt service: Having lower interest payments frees up cashflow. This can be used to reinvest in the business, used for marketing, or distributed to shareholders.

Increased consumer spending: Lower interest rates help to stimulate consumer spending. This can mean increased demand for goods and services, higher sales and boosted revenues.

Better opportunities for investment

Lower cost of capital: With cheaper borrowing costs, you can invest in growth, including research and development, technology upgrades or hiring new staff.

Increased confidence: Lower interest rates can boost investor confidence. This makes it easier for you to find investors and raise capital through equity financing.

Economic growth

Stimulate the economy: Lower interest rates can boost economic growth by encouraging borrowing, investment and consumer spending. This creates a more favourable environment for your businesses to thrive in. A stronger economy = a more stable future.

Get the funding to secure your business future

Investing in the future of your business is a vital step. With interest rates currently lower, now could be the time to think about borrowing and putting your 2025 strategy into action.

Talk to your Client Advisor about your growth plans and how these interest rate changes may impact your business. We’re here to help you reinvest, grow and keep on evolving.

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