Markets & Rates: The NZX 50 slipped for a third straight session as A2 Milk led the fall and housing data showed the market still drifting in June, while softer US inflation helped lift tech sentiment and supported some local gains. Household Spending: Stats NZ reported a drop in June credit and debit card spending, with groceries the only category rising. Oil & Inflation Pressure: Renewed US-Iran tensions are pushing up oil prices again, with the Reserve Bank warning volatility could keep inflation risks elevated—an issue that could flow through to mortgage rates. Pacific Islands Forum Costs: An OIA-released MFAT document flags potential $30m operating costs over two years for hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, up from $20m budgeted, raising a $10m squeeze risk. Housing & Local Government: Councils are being told to prepare high-risk communities for climate impacts, while Waitomo District Council approved a 3.79% rates rise. Trade & Export Outlook: Kiwi exporters face some of the toughest conditions in a decade as costs soar and geopolitics bite, even as parts of the export mix keep growing. Health & Biosecurity: New Zealand confirmed its first case of deadly H5N1 bird flu in a sea bird, with officials saying the country is well prepared. Auckland Visitor Economy: Tātaki Auckland Unlimited added eight Māori-owned businesses and new cultural places to its “Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland” platform for Matariki.