The New Zealand dollar closed in on last April’s record high on a trade-weighted basis as the local economy gathers momentum, fuelling expectations the Reserve Bank will have to hike interest rates to head off future inflation. The trade-weighted index rose to 79.10 at 8am in Wellington from 78.82 yesterday, the highest since it hit a post-float record 79.39 in …

Wall Street climbed, while US Treasuries fell, as the all-mighty American consumer showed she is confident enough in the outlook to spend more money than anticipated, bolstering expectations the world’s biggest economy is gathering steam. US retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, climbed 0.7 percent in December, following a 0.2 percent advance in November, according to …

The New Zealand dollar held gains in local trading as strong business confidence, increased consumer spending and rising property values fuelled expectations the Reserve Bank will hike interest rates to keep a lid on future inflation threats. The kiwi traded at 83.70 US cents at 5pm in Wellington, little changed from 83.76 cents at 8am, and up from 83.31 cents …