New Zealand shares rose as energy companies extended yesterday’s gains after the incumbent National-led government’s convincing general election win on Saturday, lifting the threat of further regulation for the power sector. Kathmandu Holdings fell after reporting a decline in annual earnings. The NZX 50 Index rose 5.151 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5241.443. Within the index, 23 stocks rose, 16 fell and 11 were …

The New Zealand dollar, which has dropped along with other so-called commodity currencies on concern China’s economic growth is slowing, held near its lowest levels in seven months before Fonterra Cooperative Group’s annual results, which may include a cut to its payout forecast. The kiwi traded at 81.25 US cents at 5pm in Wellington, from 81.28 cents at the start of the day …

Prices for beef used in hamburger patties in the US are likely to hold at elevated levels after surging to a record in the past year as drought-ridden American farmers rebuild their herds, boding well for kiwi farmers, an analyst says. The price for US imported 95CL bull beef, the raw ingredient for meat patties, has surged 59 percent to US$3.18 a pound in the past year, …