The New Zealand dollar fell as increasing confidence about the pace of the US economy drove up the greenback and traders continued to weigh the implications for the local economy of weaker dairy prices. The kiwi fell to 77.55 US cents as at 8am in Wellington, from 77.71 US cents late yesterday. The trade-weighted index was little changed at 78.10 from 78.13. …

Wall Street moved higher, pushing the Dow to a record high, while the US dollar also strengthened in anticipation of fresh stimulus from the European Central Bank on Thursday and a key American jobs report on Friday. The latest private payrolls data offered evidence on strength in the US labour market, bolstering optimism for Friday’s government report. Companies in the …

Startup biotech company Quantec Ltd has signed a Mexican distribution partner agreement to launch its anti-acne cream, the only treatment globally with a patented ingredient derived from cow’s milk. The Hamilton-based company launched the Epiology brand of anti-acne cream in New Zealand pharmacies in May and claims to have already gained a 10 percent share of the market.  The anti-acne cream is now …