The New Zealand dollar weakened after Chinese data at the weekend signalled a slowdown in the property market of Asia’s largest economy. The kiwi was at 86.27 US cents at 8am in Wellington, from 86.21 cents at the New York close and 86.42 cents at 5pm in Wellington on Friday. The trade-weighted index slipped to 80.21 from 80.32 on Friday. China, Australia and New Zealand’s largest …

Investors will eye the latest US Federal Reserve meeting minutes as well as a speech by Chair Janet Yellen for fresh clues to help justify Wall Street trading near record highs. On Wednesday the Fed will release the minutes from its latest meeting, while Yellen is scheduled to deliver a commencement address to NYU graduates at Yankee Stadium. Last Thursday Yellen …

In front of the “biggest Cabinet Club of the year”, John Key delivered a rousing post-budget address in Auckland this afternoon. It was a top-drawer performance from the Prime Minister, earning full marks from the business leaders who had shelled out $500 to attend. “The bottom line of yesterday’s budget is, I think, the fruition of five and a half …