Abano Healthcare, the listed healthcare investor, boosted first-half profit 51 percent on increased revenue from its dominant dental business and a turnaround at its unprofitable audiology businesses. Net profit after minorities rose to $3.5 million, or 16.89 cents per share, in the six months ended Nov. 30 from $2.3 million, or 12.56 cents, a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in …

US Federal Reserve policy makers have helped renew optimism in global equities with their promise to be patient on raising interest rates, triggering a late Santa rally as Christmas approaches. Fed Chair Janet Yellen suggested the central bank will keep key rates near zero at least through the first quarter of 2015. That timetable helped lift Wall Street last week: …

Steel & Tube Holdings is considering its legal position after an interim judgment found in favour of Lewis Holdings’ $1.75 million claim over a disputed lease contract. In October, the Lower Hutt-based company denied any legal responsibility for losses relating to a contract lease between former subsidiary Stube Industries, which was liquidated last year, and Lewis Holdings. The interim judgment found in …