New Zealand stocks advanced, led by electricity shares as investors anticipate the National Party may win this year’s election, boding well for the sector under threat of increased regulation and lower earnings should a Labour-Greens coalition gain power. The NZX 50 Index rose 16.363 points, or 0.319 percent, to 5142.896. Within the index, 23 stocks rose, 20 fell and six …

The New Zealand dollar is heading for a 1.8 percent weekly gain against the greenback and near new post-float highs on a trade-weighted basis amid speculation China’s government will take action to shore up a sluggish economy, adding to an upbeat outlook for local growth. The kiwi rose to 86.85 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 85.32 cents at …

Fonterra Cooperative Group needs to make it far clearer to farmers and other investors how its business model operates, says Deutsche Bank after the dairy exporter shored up a slump in half-year profits by intervening in the regulated price it pays for milk at the farm gate. Deutsche Bank retains its ‘sell’ rating on Fonterra Shareholders Fund units, with a …