Global stocks have started the week mixed, with sentiment dampened by concerns about growth in China and the continuing political impasse in Italy. At midday in New York, buyers stepped into the market to drive the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to an intraday record high. The S&P 500 was last up 0.21 percent to 1,554.47, after earlier hitting a …

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee welcomed the new open skies air services agreement between New Zealand and Brazil. “Brazil is touted to become one of the world’s most powerful emerging economies,” Brownlee says. “It will also host the next FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games. “Travel between New Zealand and Brazil is increasing, with around 10,000 Brazilians visiting New Zealand each year and over …

Fonterra Brands Malaysia’s launch of Mainland Cheese in Malaysia signals the strengthening trade links between New Zealand and South-East Asia, Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce says. Joyce today launched the Mainland Cheese brand at a New Zealand Gala event in Kuala Lumpur. “Over the last five years, Fonterra Brands Malaysia’s business in South East Asia has doubled, which shows …