Downgrade impact circles globe
Downgrade impact circles globe
Investors in Asia-Pacific will be the first to feel the effects today of the decision by Standard & Poor's to lower its long-term ratings on nine euro zone countries over the weekend.
Dene Mackenzie
Jeweller's profit drops in Australia
Jeweller's profit drops in Australia
Listed jeweller Michael Hill International has suffered challenging trading conditions in its largest market, Australia.
Investment in skills and training advocated
Investment in skills and training advocated
New Zealand desperately needed to invest in skills to develop the sort of economy that would allow everyone to have a prosperous future, Labour skills and training spokesman Grant Robertson said yesterday.
Report critical of governance of both ports and unions
Report critical of governance of both ports and unions
The governance and ownership and employment relations at New Zealand ports has come under scrutiny in the Government-appointed Productivity Commission's lengthy report released yesterday.
Commission suggests partial NZ ports sale
Commission suggests partial NZ ports sale
The Productivity Commission is recommending wider ownership of ports to help improve efficiency.
Fall in employment confidence 'no surprise'
Fall in employment confidence 'no surprise'
Clouds of gloom are hanging over employment prospects for 2012 with employment confidence levels falling to its lowest level since mid-2009.
Downgrade based on slower ramp-up
Downgrade based on slower ramp-up
Signs of a slower ramp-up of Hellaby Holdings Australian packing operations has led broking firm Forsyth Barr to lower its sales and profit forecasts for the transtasman operator.
Export performance weakened by euro zone crisis
Export performance weakened by euro zone crisis
With no clear resolution to the euro zone debt crisis likely in the first half of the year, New Zealand's export performance was likely to weaken, ASB economist Jane Turner says.
Simmering dispute on the boil
Simmering dispute on the boil
Multinational importers of food and consumables are bypassing Ports of Auckland for Tauranga as the industrial action continues at the Auckland port.
Ports of Auckland moves to contract out work
Ports of Auckland moves to contract out work
Ports of Auckland management yesterday exerted more pressure on workers at the port affected by industrial action by proceeding with the proposal to contract out the port's labour force.
More port disruption expected
More port disruption expected
The Ports of Auckland and Maritime Union of New Zealand (Munz) dispute reaches another major point today with a further strike likely to take place.
Higher numbers through Queenstown boost AIA
Higher numbers through Queenstown boost AIA
A large increase in international passenger numbers passing through Queenstown Airport helped Auckland International Airport Ltd produce some positive statistics.
Hard times ahead for NZ this year, says Berl chief
Hard times ahead for NZ this year, says Berl chief
Respected economic forecasting house Berl is predicting a gloomy 2012 with the New Zealand economy stalling and waiting for direction.
NZX forecast middling to good
NZX forecast middling to good
Sharebrokers have divergent views on the year ahead for the NZX, which will be boosted by the listing of Mighty River Power as the Government begins its mixed-ownership model.
Jade succeeding with push into great unknown
Jade succeeding with push into great unknown
A year ago, Jade Software was preparing to invade Silicon Valley and California. After battling through the Christchurch earthquakes, unprecedented travel and successfully establishing a beach-head in California, Jade Software has earned the title of the Otago Daily Times Southern Business of the Year.
Modest recovery in US sees 2011 close on a more positive note
Modest recovery in US sees 2011 close on a more positive note
The United States managed to provide a much needed upbeat feeling for investors as the year draws to a close today.
ASX expected to rise after weak 2011: broker
ASX expected to rise after weak 2011: broker
Craigs Investment Partners broker Chris Timms is expecting a much improved performance in the ASX200 in 2012 after a year of persistent earnings downgrades across the Tasman.
Mixed time for retailers but US optimistic
Mixed time for retailers but US optimistic
Australian retailers had a mixed day on the ASX 200 yesterday with those who had given out bad news before Christmas taking a hit from nervous investors.
Check holiday pay, workers told
Check holiday pay, workers told
People working this week are being urged to check their employment contracts to ensure they are being paid the correct rates for public holidays.
Telecom, Chorus lead quiet market
Telecom, Chorus lead quiet market
Shares in recently-separated Telecom and Chorus dominated trade in a relatively quiet day on the NZX yesterday, with no particular reason obvious for the interest in either company.