The New Zealand dollar was little changed as traders weigh growth prospects for the local economy with the possible tapering of stimulus in the US. The kiwi recently traded at 80.44 US cents, from 80.39 cents at the New York close and 80.56 cents at 5pm in Wellington Friday. The trade-weighted index edged lower to 74.47 from 76.72 in Wellington …

The clear focus this week is on the US Federal Reserve and any clues on its plans for the future of its monthly bond-buying program. The Federal Open Market Committee starts a two-day meeting on June 18. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke last month suggested the central bank might reduce the pace of its buying. Bernanke will host a news conference …

Air New Zealand’s aviation maintenance unit Safe Air plans to cut 84 jobs, or about 30 percent of its workforce, citing its struggle to attract new international contracts in the face of a high kiwi dollar, according to a union statement. The airline confirmed Safe Air may cut about 80 jobs as some long-term contracts come to an end. “Since …