The trade-weighted index, which measures the New Zealand dollar relative to the currencies of major trading partners, rose to a post-float record, prompting speculation Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler will try to talk down its value when he announces an interest rate hike tomorrow. The trade-weighted index jumped as high as 79.68 overnight, up from 79.50 yesterday and surpassing its …

Skellerup, the industrial rubber goods maker, has reached a $32.3 million settlement with insurers over claims from the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 which prompted the relocation of its Christchurch manufacturing facility. The Auckland-based company will receive some $22.3 million this month on top of the $10 million it’s already been paid to cover includes costs that have been …

Wall Street slid amid ongoing concern about an international standoff in Ukraine, while copper continued its slump because of worries about the slowing pace of growth and more corporate bond defaults in China. Increasing tension between the US, the European Union and Russia about Ukraine remains a concern for investors. While that has weighed on equities, it increased the appeal …