RBA cuts rate, may do so again
RBA cuts rate, may do so again
The Reserve Bank of Australia cut its official lending rate to 2% yesterday and left itself plenty of room to cut again if the struggling economy does not start to improve.
Dene Mackenzie
Risk-aversion puts brakes on growth
Risk-aversion puts brakes on growth
New Zealand chief financial officers continue to feel optimistic about the future but say their organisations remain risk-averse.
ANZ profit dips 5% but still robust
ANZ profit dips 5% but still robust
The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group's cash profit fell 5% in the six months ended March but it was still strong at $841 million, compared with $887million in the previous corresponding period.
Election has implications for pound
Election has implications for pound
The result of the United Kingdom election being held on May 7 is unlikely to be a major event for the UK sharemarket but may have larger implications for the pound.
All eyes on Australian lending rate decision
All eyes on Australian lending rate decision
The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision on whether to cut its official lending rate to 2% today is likely to dominate market thinking.
First barrier to OCR cut this week
First barrier to OCR cut this week
The first barrier to an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank will arrive on Wednesday when Statistics New Zealand releases its latest employment and wages data.
Budget expectations piloted down
Budget expectations piloted down
Finance Minister Bill English used a speech yesterday to soften voters up for some disappointing news likely to be included in his Budget 2015 speech on May 21.
Housing crisis keeps interest rates high
Housing crisis keeps interest rates high
The Government's failure to curb the housing crisis meant the Reserve Bank could not lower interest rates, despite inflation being at 15-year lows, Labour Party finance spokesman Grant Robertson said yesterday.
Resort housing less affordable
Resort housing less affordable
Surging house prices in Auckland and Queenstown have pushed home ownership even further from the reach of first home buyers in the two districts.
Business confidence remains high: survey
Business confidence remains high: survey
Business confidence in New Zealand is being described as a ''grand slam combination'' when the intentions of firms are analysed.
No easing expected in cash rate review
No easing expected in cash rate review
It will be hard for the Reserve Bank to spring a surprise when it reviews the official cash rate tomorrow following a nine-page speech on inflation last week, BNZ senior economist Craig Ebert says.
Apple to share its success
Apple to share its success
Apple, the maker of iPhones, took the market by surprise yesterday when it announced a stronger profit, an increased dividend and its plans to return $US200 billion in capital to its shareholders.
Mad Butcher tests concept store in Mosgiel
Mad Butcher tests concept store in Mosgiel
The Mad Butcher chain has opened its first ''concept store'' in Mosgiel as it prepares to expand the idea to other parts of New Zealand.
Softer tone over cash rate suggested
Softer tone over cash rate suggested
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to leave its official cash rate unchanged at 3.5% on Thursday but ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie is seeking a softer tone in the bank's commentary.
Small to medium-sized businesses not investing boldly
Small to medium-sized businesses not investing boldly
More than a third of New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) feel their business has improved and the economy is moving ahead, but they are still reluctant to invest in or grow their business.
Focus on building higher-density housing forecast
Focus on building higher-density housing forecast
The New Zealand residential construction market has worked itself back to mid-cycle activity levels after the deepest trough in more than 50 years. Forsyth Barr broker Andrew Rooney tells business editor Dene Mackenzie there is scope for building consents issued to increase.
Dunedin tops broadband speed rankings
Dunedin tops broadband speed rankings
Dunedin is being ranked as a ''real broadband powerhouse'' since winning the Gigatown competition last year, according to figures provided to the Otago Daily Times.
Obtaining access has its problems
Obtaining access has its problems
DUnedin may have the fastest broadband speed in Australasia but for Dunedin man Alan Richardson, getting access to ultra-fast broadband has not been easy.
Commodity index down, but wool does well
Commodity index down, but wool does well
The ASB New Zealand commodity index fell last week but lamb, beef and wool prices all posted rises close to 2% in United States dollar terms.
Passenger numbers up at Queenstown
Passenger numbers up at Queenstown
Queenstown's Airport's international passenger numbers increased nearly 40% in March on the corresponding month last year, with increased flight capacity and strong passenger loadings of 81%.