Introduction
Financial Futures explores the forces that could shape New Zealand’s financial and economic future over the next 20 years. Drawing on new CMC Markets research and perspectives from leaders across business, investment, economics and personal finance, the report looks beyond the next economic cycle to ask what a more productive, innovative and financially resilient New Zealand could look like by 2046.
Key highlights
The report centres on four interconnected themes: productivity, capital, technology and financial confidence. It explores how lifting productivity could support higher incomes and stronger businesses; how New Zealand’s growing pool of investment capital, including KiwiSaver, could help fund future growth; and how AI and digital technology are changing the way people access information, markets and investment opportunities.
It also looks at the role individuals will play in that future. With investing becoming more accessible, the report argues that financial capability, judgement, resilience and long-term thinking will become increasingly important. Looking ahead to 2046, contributors imagine a New Zealand driven by innovation, productivity, energy advantages, broader investment participation and a more financially resilient middle class.
One of the report’s central findings is that 48% of New Zealanders believe the country will be financially better off in 20 years, compared with 28% who expect it to be worse off. The report asks what it will take to turn that optimism into lasting prosperity.