The aim of this assessment is for you to apply foundational macroeconomic concepts and theory and analyse macroeconomic data to make an informed judgement on the future actions of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. You have been invited as a guest expert to write a commentary column for Financial Times. As the author of this media article, you are to write from the point of view of an economist, communicating the contents included within the article to the general public. This will include households and businesses. Step 1: Explore readings related to macroeconomic concepts

Step 2: Research real data on economic indicators such as those identified below. Display these indicators within a summary table. The word content within this table will not be included. A good starting resource to locate such data is: https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics

o Gross Domestic Product growth rate o Unemployment Rate o Inflation Rate o Consumer/business confidence measures (e.g. Lending indicators, retail activity)

Step 3: There is speculation that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will be tightening the monetary policy by increasing interest rate. Analyse the transmission effects from this monetary policy action on the interest rate. Analytical frameworks which examine these effects are desirable and are to be included within an appendix. Please ensure these are clearly labelled with headings and referred to within the body of the Media Article.

Step 4: Based on your analysis from step 3 and the current economic climate revealed within step 2, evaluate whether the Reserve Bank of New Zealand increase, decrease or leave the same Interest Rate, given its three important concerns of controlling inflation, maximising employment and supporting economic wellbeing. Please explain why for your opinion based on your evaluations. Step 5: Present your findings from steps 2, 3 and 4 into a Media Article of including in-text citations

Specifically: Provide a title of the Media Article in Bold which captures the essence of the article along with a date. WE NEED TO WRITE concise summary paragraph. WE NEET to give the audience an overview of what is included within the press release. Introduction to hook in the reader Develop the body of the article . There should be three main sections which include: o Anticipated effects of an increase of the Interest Rate based on the economic indicators observed within step 2. o A statement based on your evaluation whether the Reserve Bank of New Zealand should increase, decrease or leave the same Interest Rate. Clearly justify why, drawing connections from your summary table of economic indicators. Further, link your commentary to Reserve Bank of New Zealand' concerns of controlling inflation, maximising employment and supporting economic wellbeing. o WE NEED TO WRITE succinct closing paragraph. You will be assessed on your ability to: 1. Explain relevant macroeconomic concepts and analyse economic data in insightful way (20 marks) 2. Incoporate findings or advice from information sources and economic indicators into your argument (20 marks) 3. Analyse data and synthesise information to determine meaning (20 marks) 4. Construct a clear and logical argument (20 marks) 5. Communicate and present your argument in an effective and engaging way (20 marks)