The New Zealand dollar rose along with its Australian counterpart after trade figures from China beat estimates, stoking optimism that demand in the two nations’ biggest market isn’t wavering. The kiwi rose to 83.50 US cents from 83.28 US cents at the start of the day and from 83.00 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index rose to 78.51 from 78.41 at …

Scott Technology, the industrial automation firm, says a global mining slowdown and a high New Zealand dollar are squeezing its margins in the short term. The strong kiwi dollar has been an ongoing battle for the company that gets 37 percent of sales in North America and just 13 percent in its home market. Dunedin-based Scott cited the currency’s strength …

Goodman Fielder, Australasia’s largest food company, says the rebound predicted for the second half won’t be enough to lift full-year earnings as it grapples with soaring milk prices and rivalry in baking goods. The shares dropped 7.4 percent. Normalised earnings before interest and tax in 2014 will be “broadly in line” with the previous year’s A$185.6 million, assuming no change …