The New Zealand dollar edged up in volatile trading after Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke emphasised the central bank’s asset purchase programme could be reduced more quickly or expanded depending on economic conditions. The kiwi traded at 79 US cents from 78.70 cents at the 5pm market close in Wellington yesterday. The local currency traded between 78.39 US cents and …

Wall Street gained after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said there was no “preset course” for the central bank’s bond-buying program, while better-than-expected results from companies including Bank of America also underpinned the mood. “I emphasise that, because our asset purchases depend on economic and financial developments, they are by no means on a preset course,” Bernanke said today in …

New Zealand shares rose, led Pumpkin Patch as the retailer clawed back a small portion of this year’s 34 percent slide, while Diligent Board Member Services rose after telling the NZX yesterday that it knew of no reason for its recent slide. The NZX 50 Index rose 2.425 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4578.97. Within the index, 26 stocks rose, …