The New Zealand dollar firmed slightly on approval of a temporary increase in the US debt ceiling, which came after a mixed session overnight. The kiwi was at 84.18 US cents at 8am, up from 84.05 cents at 5pm. It traded as high as 84.41 cents overnight. News that the US House of Representative voted on Wednesday US time to …

Wall Street extended gains after the US House voted in favour of a plan that allows the Treasury to borrow beyond the US$16.4 trillion limit until May 19 to avoid the threat of default. Republicans are seeking cuts to spending in return. “The bill we are passing today, we think, will give us the ability to have a debate that …

New Zealand shares eked out another rise as the broadly positive tone since New Year continued, with substantial volumes noted in some key stocks. The NZX50 Index was up 0.64 points, or 0.01 percent, to 4187.72. Within the index, 23 stocks rose, 14 rose and 13 were unchanged. Turnover was $ 133.213 million. “There seems to be some reasonable volume …