After a long weekend, Wall Street returned with a sombre mood as the earnings outlook from companies including Johnson & Johnson and Verizon failed to justify current valuations. Shares of Johnson & Johnson dropped, last 2 percent weaker, after its earnings outlook fell short of expectations. The outlook reflects “some level of conservatism-in line with historical guidance-given still seemingly weak …

New Zealand shares rose to a two-month high, led by retailer Hallenstein Glasson, extending its rally from a four-year low as investors went bargain hunting. The NZX 50 Index advanced 31.175 points, or about 0.6 percent, to 4921.671, the highest close since Nov. 14. Within the index, 31 stocks rose, 12 fell and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $75 million. …

New Zealand inflation unexpectedly edged higher in the final three months of 2013, led by more expensive airfares, housing and dairy prices. The consumers price index increased 0.1 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31, slowing from a quarterly increase of 0.9 percent, according to Statistics New Zealand. That was against a forecast decline of 0.1 percent in a …