There is near-unanimous support on NZIER's shadow board for Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler to raise the official cash rate again tomorrow, to 3 per cent.

Interest rates could peak at a level which would see first-home buyers in Auckland spending two-thirds of household income paying the mortgage.

Another rise in the official cash rate, to 3 per cent, on Thursday is seen as a virtual certainty.

Institutional trades have predominated since the historic move to direct convertibility of the New Zealand and Chinese currencies began last month.

The New Zealand dollar fell ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.

Each year thousands of people dream about starting their own business, taking control of their lives and having more flexibility.

The New Zealand dollar held its gains of last week against the greenback before public statements by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen amid speculation she may clarify the central bank's view on the start of any interest rate hikes in the US.

ASB customers will soon be able to ditch their wallets and pay for small purchases with their phone by attaching a sticker.

The Kiwi dollar extended its decline against its trans-Tasman counterpart after figures showed Australian unemployment unexpectedly fell last month.

The Commerce Commission has offered immunity from prosecution to a financial markets participant as part of an investigation.

The damage inflicted on US households by the collapse of the housing market and recession wasn't evenly distributed.

The city is showing worrying signs of being at the centre of the next financial crisis.

IDFC and Bandhan Financial Services have won the first licenses awarded in a decade to set up banks in Asia's third-largest economy.

Our big, Australian-owned banks are making more money out of New Zealand customers than those across the ditch - raising questions about whether Kiwi customers are being treated fairly.