Michael Hill International, the jewellery chain that bears the name of its founder, expects first-half earnings to rise after reporting a 10 percent lift in sales over the period. Earnings before interest and tax were between A$29 million and A$30 million in the six months ended Dec. 31 from A$28.6 million a year earlier, the Brisbane based jeweller said in …

Budget retailer Warehouse Group is warning its first-half profit will fall by as much as 13 percent after strong Christmas sales failed to compensate for a margin squeeze in the first quarter, higher funding costs, and reduced rental income. Adjusted net profit will be between $46 million and $48 million in the first six months of the retailer’s financial year, …

The New Zealand dollar fell against the greenback amid speculation the Federal Reserve will further trim its bond buying programme when it reviews policy next week. The kiwi fell to 83.06 US cents at 8am in Wellington from 83.22 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index was little changed at 78.81 from 78.86. The Dollar Index, a measure of the greenback against …