In March 2025, New Zealand's ANZ Business Outlook Index slightly declined to 57.5, down from February's 58.4, amid ongoing domestic economic uncertainties. The index was further impacted by escalating external threats, particularly the potential for a global trade war, which added pressure on business sentiment. Despite the modest reduction, ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner indicated that while there are improvements in the business landscape, challenges remain. Notably, the percentage of businesses anticipating better conditions over the next year increased to 48.6% in March, compared to 45.1% in the previous month.