Optimism about equity valuations following a surprise takeover of HJ Heinz was tempered by reports showing economies in Europe and Japan were weaker than expected. Shares of HJ Heinz soared, last up 19.8 percent to US$72.4,5 as Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital agreed to buy the ketchup maker for US$72.50 a share, or US$28 billion including debt. The …

The New Zealand dollar rose above 85 US cents for the first time since September 2011 amid expectations retail sales figures today will add to a string of strong data this week suggesting the economy is a standout in a tepid globe. The kiwi dollar recently traded at 84.80 US cents and earlier rose as high as 85.14 cents, from84.74 …

hares of APN News & Media were halted after the Irish Independent newspaper reported that 28.95 percent owner Independent News & Media has called for the resignation of chief executive and director Brett Chenoweth. The report said INM had formally advised APN of its views and was seeking an extraordinary meeting of shareholders. INM had “lost confidence in Mr Chenoweth’s …