New unemployment figures make a change in the Official Cash Rate now less likely. 

Stats NZ numbers out today show unemployment hit 4.6% in the June quarter, up from 4.3% in the March quarter. 

It's what the Reserve Bank predicted, although economists were forecasting 4.7%. 

Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham any number above expectations would've made a cut more likely. 

He says it could still happen, but the interest markets that predict OCR changes had a cut next week priced in. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Unemployment rose to 4.6% in the June quarter. But will that prompt a rate cut?
• Unemployment expected to rise beyond current predictions
• Where is New Zealand at with inflation?