Equities declined on both sides of the Atlantic, continuing the trend of January, as data showed that China’s manufacturing fell last month, while US manufacturing activity grew at the slowest pace in eight months, fuelling concern about global growth. The US Institute for Supply Management’s factory index dropped to 51.3 in January, from 56.5 in December. China’s purchasing managers’ index …

New Zealand stocks fell today, joining a global sell-off as disappointing Chinese manufacturing data stoked concerns the global economic recovery may falter. Xero, Chorus and SkyCity Entertainment Group led the decline. The NZX 50 Index fell 25.081 points, or 0.5 percent to 4849.502. Within the index, 23 stocks fell, 19 rose and eight were unchanged. Total turnover for the day …

The government has received advice saying the partial privatisation of Genesis Energy is achievable in current market conditions and a decision on timing is expected “soon,” Prime Minister John Key says. The largest of the ‘big four’ electricity company by customer numbers, but the smallest by asset value, Genesis is the last to be lined up for sale of up …