Investors will closely eye President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday for his take on the economic recovery and the status of negotiations towards lifting the US debt ceiling as he details plans for his second term in office. Last week’s market action showed just how easily investor confidence can be shaken-and reclaimed-at the moment. “I think …

The shale oil boom might not be popular with everyone but its positive impact on the trade balance is starting to be demonstrated. In December, the US trade deficit narrowed sharply thanks largely to record petroleum exports, with the monthly trade deficit some USD7.5bn better than expected. The provisional GDP estimate of -0.1 percent assumed a larger trade deficit. Greater …

Newly appointed Housing Minister Nick Smith has wasted no time on returning to Cabinet with the announcement of a fundamental review of the way local governments charge developers for infrastructure like roading, drainage and water. how to start a home based business The growth in so-called “development charges” by councils was identified as one of several reasons for too many …