Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.
Debt-to-income controls on housing could assist first-home buyers
The Reserve Bank has suggested that the introduction of debt-to-income (DTI) controls on housing could help first-home buyers enter the market. DTI controls would limit the amount that people can borrow based on their income, which could prevent buyers from taking on too much debt and help to slow down the housing market
Homeowners hold onto properties as prices continue to fall, causing a shortage in the market
Homeowners are holding onto their properties instead of putting them up for sale as they worry about falling prices. This has resulted in a shortage of homes for sale, despite a drop in demand due to tougher lending restrictions and higher interest rates. Real estate agents predict that the market will remain stagnant until the end of winter.
One NZ partners with SpaceX for 100% mobile coverage in New Zealand through Starlink
One NZ has signed a deal with SpaceX to provide 100% mobile coverage in New Zealand through Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service. One NZ aims to improve connectivity for rural and remote communities where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is often inadequate or non-existent.
Reserve Bank expected to raise OCR again, but uncertainty remains over the amount
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is set to announce its latest decision on the official cash rate (OCR) on Wednesday, with economists forecasting a likely increase of 25 basis points. The central bank has been gradually increasing the OCR since August, as the economy continues to recover from the impact of Covid-19.
Circle K expands into New Zealand through a deal with Woolworths grocery wholesale arm
Canadian retail chain Circle K has announced its expansion into New Zealand through a deal with Woolworths New Zealand. The deal will see Circle K franchise its convenience stores, including fuel retailing, in more than 100 locations across the country.
Tesla shares drop as investor concerns grow
Tesla’s shares fell by 6% on Monday as the company’s latest delivery report showed some investors’ concerns about further price cuts to drive sales, eating into the margins.
OPEC+ announces surprise production cut, oil prices surge
The OPEC+ group of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Russia, announced a surprise cut in production of around 1 million barrels per day, leading to a surge in oil prices to near US$86 a barrel. The move is expected to cause fresh tensions with the US as western governments try to manage inflation.
Many legacy blue check holders still have their verification marks, despite not paying for Twitter Blue
Twitter’s blue verification checkmark system was supposed to be purged by Elon Musk on April 1, but instead, the social media platform appeared to have targeted only one account from a major publication Musk dislikes: The New York Times.
How strangers on the internet are helping people stay focused
To combat the challenge of staying motivated and on task while working remotely from home, some people are turning to strangers to sit with them via video call as they work virtually. This solution provides a low level of accountability that helps prevent distractions and keeps individuals on track.
Is the 5-9 am morning routine actually effective?
The 5-9 am morning routine has become a trend on TikTok, with the hashtag #5to9routine having 35 million views. However, according to psychologist Suzy Reading, it may not necessarily make you more productive, as productivity can depend on an individual’s natural body clock and sleep needs.
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