New Zealand shares fell, as the NZX 50 Index dropped from a record in a global sell off as investors took the opportunity to crystallise the bourse’s gains. Meridian Energy snapped six days of gains as it shed rights to its dividend. Spark New Zealand and Fletcher Building paced the decline. The NZX 50 Index fell 24.373 points, or 0.5 percent, to …

The New Zealand dollar is heading for a 2.8 percent slide against the greenback this week after Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler jawboned down the kiwi and Fonterra Cooperative Group cut its forecast payout to farmers, as global investors start eyeing higher interest rates in the US. The kiwi fell to 78.98 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 81.24 cents …

Pumpkin Patch, the second-worst performing stock on the NZX All Index the past 12 months, turned to a loss in 2014 and signalled earnings are unlikely to improve for another year. The Auckland-based children’s clothing chain posted a loss of $10.2 million, or 6 cents a share, in the 12 months ended July 31, from a profit of $5.1 million, or …