Rural Equities, the farming group controlled by the Cushing family, reported a 31 percent drop in annual profit as property revaluations lagged behind those from a year earlier, and as the North Island’s worst drought in seven years ate into operating earnings. Net profit fell to $10.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, from $15.8 million a year …

The New Zealand dollar surged on optimism global economic growth is recovering and as safe haven currencies declined in light of no imminent western military action in Syria. The kiwi jumped to 79.07 US cents at 8am in Wellington from 78.08 cents at 5pm yesterday. The trade-weighted index advanced to 74.70 from 74 yesterday. Growth-sensitive currencies such as the kiwi …

New Zealand shares rose, as Fletcher Building gained to a 7-month high on signs of life in the Australian economy and amid perceptions the local market offers reasonably attractive dividend yields in a world of low interest rates. The NZX 50 Index rose 3.595 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4610.306, the highest close in four months. Within the index, 18 …