Prices of dairy products may extend this year’s 34 percent slump, economists say, adding to pressure on Fonterra Cooperative Group to lower its milk payout forecast and taking some of the steam out of New Zealand’s economic expansion. The GDT Price Index dropped 8.9 percent to the lowest level since December 2012 in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction, the 10th decline in past …

New Zealand inflation held steady in the second quarter compared to the first-quarter pace as gains in prices of electricity, home rentals and new houses were partly offset by cheaper package holidays, vehicles and liquor. The New Zealand dollar fell as traders mull the future interest rate track.  The consumers price index was unchanged at 0.3 percent, for an annual …

 Dairy product prices fell to the lowest level since December 2012 in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction, paced by whole milk powder and anhydrous milk fat. The GDT price index dropped 8.9 percent to US$3,309 a tonne, from US$3,595 a tonne two weeks ago. Some 36,656 tonnes of product was sold, down from 41,513 tonnes two weeks ago. ‘New Zealand’s regional …