Fonterra Cooperative Group, the world’s biggest dairy exporter, has lifted its forecast milk payout to farmers by 50 cents in the 2014 season as global supply remains constrained and as a weaker local currency bolsters export returns. The Auckland-based company expects to pay $7.50 per kilogram of milksolids and an estimated dividend of 32 cents per share, it said in …

Disappointing earnings hurt shares of companies including Occidental Petroleum, last down 3.3 percent, and Coach, last 8.3 percent weaker. There were positive earnings surprises too such as for Pfizer, helping lift its shares 0.68 percent. Overall Wall Street was mixed as Federal Reserve policy makers began a two-day meeting today, and investors are keen for fresh clues about the outlook …

Abano Healthcare Group has reported a 75 percent improvement in net earnings after tax for the year to May 31, and is looking to raise $15 million in coming months to pursue further growth in Asia and Australia. The group reported record total revenues of $207 million for the year, and NPAT before accounting for the share available to minority …