ASB expects the RBNZ to keep the official cash rate (OCR) at 2.25% in July. The bank’s base view remains that the OCR should gradually normalise toward a neutral ~3.25% and it plans to begin tightening from September. ASB says recent US‑Iran developments have reduced medium‑term inflation risk and given the RBNZ some breathing room, but warns geopolitical volatility makes any OCR impact hard to predict.

Microsoft (MSFT.O) is creating a new unit of about 6,000 employees to provide technical and strategic support for enterprise AI deployments, the company said. The team will combine engineering, corporate training and management experience with industry-specific expertise. Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft's commercial business, said closer collaboration with customers will help them implement AI more efficiently and inform Microsoft’s product-development decisions.

On July 1 in Beijing, National Energy Administration deputy director He Yang met with EDF executive director Yu Yunsa. He said China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will prioritise rapid development of clean energy, expand investment in renewables and maintain an open, market-oriented, rule-of-law and international business environment, welcoming foreign firms including EDF to deepen cooperation across energy sectors. Yu said EDF views China as a core market and is prepared to partner with Chinese firms on nuclear, electrification, emerging technologies and third‑party market projects.