Dene Mackenzie

Business leaders are welcoming the conclusion of the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations, saying Trade Minister Tim Groser got the best deal possible for New Zealand.

Parties opposed to the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement were united in their condemnation of the agreement which was signed early yesterday morning.

The annual meeting season starts tomorrow with Air New Zealand, but southern investors will have to be prepared to travel if they want to attend any of the major company meetings.

Christmas was the key trading period for the majority of New Zealand listed retailers and industry growth was likely to continue and favour Briscoe Group and Restaurant Brands.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is not expected to cut its official lending rate at its meeting this afternoon but speculation is mounting over future moves.

Having an Xperia M4 Aqua to test during a Dunedin winter was an inspired suggestion.

October looks likely to emulate September for investors as the global market volatility that sent United States stocks to their lowest quarter in four years shows no signs of letting up.

Dunedin continues to offer some of the most affordable housing in the country, QV Dunedin valuer Tim Gibson said.

The appointment of Shayne Elliott as chief executive of ANZ Banking Group was a logical and largely expected move but his tenure would not be without challenges, Craigs Investment Partners broker Peter McIntyre said yesterday.

Infratil's sale of its Z Energy stake surprised the market with its timing but did not change its investment story materially, Forsyth Barr broker Suzanne Kinnaird said yesterday.

The exit by Infratil from Z Energy this week, and the reduction in the stake held by the New Zealand Super Fund, offers the petrol company a chance of a different future.

Clothing chain Hallenstein Glasson (HLG) yesterday reported an improved profit for the year ending June and increased its dividend payout, while warning future margins may be squeezed.

September business confidence has bounced back after five consecutive months of falls but it is too early for complacency.

New Zealand's lazy data ride this week ends today with the centrepiece being the ANZ business confidence survey, due for release this afternoon.

International forces remain a major influence on the economy, Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says.