Cynics might view vitamins and supplements as little more than snake oil, but Australasian investors are taking a bullish view on the natural products sector's growth prospects, particularly in China.

The only global body to sound major warnings ahead of 2008 is worried debt levels have again reached extreme levels.

It will put Silver Fern Farms in a strong position, writes Fran O'Sullivan. But that won't stop the emotion over the injection of Chinese ownership into a company that other players were endeavouring to keep NZ controlled.

Silver Fern Farms says $261m Chinese input will help meat processor forge ahead with a growth strategy.

Silver Fern Farms, the country's biggest meat processor, says its is forming a 50/50 joint partnership with Chinese investors.

Chinese investment in Silver Fern Farms would be a momentous event for New Zealand, says the former head of a meat industry lobby group.

The words "double Grammar zone" plastered across a real estate billboard is enough to make any red-blooded agent salivate, writes Bernard Hickey.

There is a huge difference between the timing and level of disclosure of the four Government-controlled NZX-listed companies - Air New Zealand, Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and Mighty River Power - and other Crown entities.

New Zealand stock market operator NZX has accredited American company Straits Financial to access its growing dairy derivatives market.

New Zealand's nascent equity crowdfunding market may be heading for a shakeout as an eighth platform, Property Mogul, seeks regulatory clearance to start operations.

Share prices firmed by just under one per cent after major offshore markets surged higher overnight.

There is already considerable foreign investment in New Zealand agribusiness, writes Fran O'Sullivan. Several Chinese companies have meat interests and there is major Japanese investment in Anzco.

With equity market volatility on the rise, CBL Corporation boss Peter Harris admits it isn't the perfect time to launch an IPO.

Interest rate cut this week is certain but all eyes will be hunting for clues to the future.

Contact Energy is facing growing pressure from institutional investors over its governance structure.

Many Aucklanders are leaving the Super City to buy their first home in cheaper areas.

Will they or won't they is the question that has been on investors' minds as they try to guess when the US Federal Reserve will raise official rates.

Battery frenemies Telsa, Panasonic poised for Solar power fight in Europe.

New Zealand shares fell yesterday to their lowest level this year as offshore volatility weighed on sentiment again with markets across Asia weaker, with the exception of Australia.

Oil prices rose for a second straight day after the European Central Bank indicated more stimulus could be on its way for the eurozone.