Mixed opinions on when unemployment will reach its peak

Stats NZ data out this morning is predicted to show rates increased to around 5.2-percent, during the March quarter.

ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner expects this will likely be as high as it will go.

While, ASB senior economist Mark Smith says it could be a bit higher later in the year.

He says they've seen firms hold back on hiring as disruptions to trade and economic concerns continue.