The New Zealand dollar outlook is mixed this week as weaker economic data from the US and positive risk appetite underpin demand while traders mull whether the kiwi can continue its recent ascent. The local currency may trade between 82 US cents and 84.80 cents this week, according to a BusinessDesk survey of 11 currency strategists and traders. Four expect …

New Zealand services sector activity, which accounts for about two thirds of the economy, expanded for a ninth month in January, underpinned by a six-and-a-half year high in new orders. The BNZ-BusinessNZ performance of services index increased 0.5 points to 58.1, the highest level since November 2007, and was up from 53.3 a year earlier. A reading of 50 or …

Property For Industry, which increased its portfolio by two thirds after a merger with Direct Property Fund last year, said annual profit rose 50 percent as it benefited from an increased rental flow while keeping expenses in check. Net profit was $40.5 million for the year ended Dec. 31, from $26.9 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in …