US economic data falling short of expectations bolstered hope that the Federal Reserve might see the need to support the world’s largest economy a little longer than it has recently hinted. The economy grew at a 2.4 percent annualised rate in the first quarter, according to the Commerce Department. That was down from an earlier estimate of a 2.5 percent …

SmartPay, the eftpos terminal company, narrowed its annual loss to $5.9 million and said it hasn’t yet recorded the full benefits of its restructuring and acquisitions. The net loss narrowed from a year-earlier loss that was restated to $12.7 million. Sales climbed to $17 million from a restated $16.5 million. In December, the company agreed to buy eftpos terminal provider …

NPT, the listed property investor, turned to a profit in 2013 after it gained from payouts on an earthquake damaged Christchurch building and the overall value of its properties rose. The Auckland-based retail, commercial and industrial property investor reported profit of $33 million in the year ended March 31, from a loss of $2.3 million a year earlier. The value …