A lack of wind is being blamed for the acrid grey smog currently blanketing Beijing with the city enduring some of the worst pollution on record. Official readings taken over the weekend showed PM2.5 readings in Beijing of 886 micrograms per cubic metre. To give that some perspective – 25 micrograms is the WHO’s cut-off level for safe emissions. The …

New Zealand’s economy surged in the December quarter to the best level since mid-2007, according to the Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion, which shows firms are more optimistic and output is increasing across the board. The survey, conducted by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), shows a rebound in activity, particularly in Canterbury but also a “very good …

The New Zealand dollar was testing 84 US cents in early trading after having a strong session overnight as the US dollar weakened. The kiwi was at 83.94 US cents at 8am, up from 84.02 US cents at 5pm on Monday. It traded as high as 84.30 overnight. Support at 83.60 cents held on Monday so the kiwi resumed its …