The fate of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment pact may be known as early as next Wednesday, US time, after a vote in the US Congress last night endorsed the elusive ‘fast-track authority’ that President Barack Obama needs if the 12 nation negotiation is to be concluded successfully. However, the next few days will be a “swirling mass”, says New Zealand Trade …

Synlait Milk, the Canterbury-based dairy processor, has announced a new partnership with US baby products manufacturer, Munchkin Inc, that could offer its 161 farmer suppliers a chance to earn well above the normal payout. Munchkin, a privately-held Californian company known for designing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative infant and toddler products, is planning to launch a new Grass Fed branded retail-ready …

 Milford Asset Management agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle with the Financial Markets Authority over alleged market manipulation by one of its traders, rather than become embroiled in what could have been a prolonged legal battle, managing director Anthony Quirk says. Quirk told BusinessDesk the settlement was “essentially a commercial decision”. The Auckland-based fund manager denied claims it’s liable for any breaches of the …