As Cyprus continued its efforts to seek financial help that will prevent its bankruptcy, investors turned their focus toward positive news from companies including Lennar and Adobe. Cypriot lawmakers yesterday vetoed a proposal, suggested by European Union and International Monetary Fund leaders, to tap bank deposits to help fund a much-needed bailout. Desperate for alternatives, Cyprus is now in talks …

New Zealand shares rose, led by cloud-based accounting firm Xero, which added another $100 million to its market value to reach a new record while Sky Network Television rose to the highest in almost two years. The NZX 50 Index gained 4.39 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4349.43. Within the index, 21 stocks rose, 13 fell and 16 were unchanged. …

The New Zealand dollar extended its slide after figures showed the current account deficit widened more than expected in the fourth quarter and the bailout impasse in Cyprus kept the US dollar well bid. The kiwi dollar fell to 82.28 US cents in late New Zealand trading from 82.51 cents immediately before the balance of payments figures. The trade-weighted index …