New Zealand businesses cut staff and investments amid Middle East conflict
On the other hand, the manufacturing and retail sectors remained upbeat despite the pressures stemming from the foreign conflicts. "This optimism appears to have been supported in particular by stronger export demand in the March quarter, despite manufacturers reporting an easing in both cost and pricing pressures over the quarter, manufacturing sector profitability deteriorated," the report read. Investment cuts among firms Meanwhile, another 12% of the report's respondents also indicated that they plan to cut back on their building investments over the coming year, while another nine per cent plan...