The local sharemarket opened down 2.4 per cent, after a wild overnight ride on world markets.

The US crude benchmark finishing below $US40 a barrel for the first time in six years on China's weakening economy.

It was a dramatic opening on Wall St overnight - was it people or computers putting the pressure on?

The New Zealand dollar slumped to its lowest level in six years after billions of dollars were wiped from financial markets in the US, Europe and Asia.

Australian steel products group Bluescope is to review its steelmaking operations in Australia and New Zealand, saying it needs "game-changing" savings in operating costs.

New Zealand shares dropped yesterday in a global selloff after weak Chinese manufacturing data added to concern about the world's second-largest economy.

Chorus shares fell after the telecommunications network operator reported a 39 per cent decline in annual profit.

The international dairy trade has become the most volatile of all commodities markets.

Foreigners don't have all the answers, but they are responsible for Japan's biggest corporate governance successes this year, writes William Pesek.

Christopher Niesche writes: The jobs and education portal is a mature business in Australia so it has to look for growth overseas, particularly in Asia.

Until November Apple had sold only US currency bonds but has since expanded its debt issuance to euros, yen, pounds and Swiss francs as well as Aussie dollars.

The directors of OPI Pacific Finance, which collapsed owing $247m, have pleaded guilty to making untrue statements.

Asian markets are developing a sweet tooth, creating export opportunities for Wellington chocolate maker Whittaker's.

Chapman Tripp is predicting more fireworks than usual during the 2015 annual meeting season.

Qantas today reported an annual profit of A$557 million, from a loss of A$2.8 billion the previous year.

Wall St fell overnight after Fed minutes suggested interest rates may not be lifted next month.

NZX boss Tim Bennett remains bullish about the outlook for new sharemarket floats, despite the a lack of listings this year.

Contact Energy chief executive Dennis Barnes says the firm now has the chance to steer its own course.

Christopher Niesche has a look at Domino's stand out financial result.

Contact Energy's decision to close its Otahuhu power station is the latest in an industry-wide move away from gas.

Retail sales volumes edged up in the June quarter, missing expectations, as growth in online buying helped offset a slide in petrol purchases.

The Financial Markets Authority is hammering home the message that it means business on issues such as market manipulation and insider trading.

Weaker circulation sales reflected stable subscription revenue offset by "continued pressure on retail sales".

Shares for the mobile payments app developer have risen to $5 from their $1 listing price 12 months ago.

Wall Street was mixed, recovering from steeper losses, as investors reassessed the impact of China's currency devaluation.

SkyCity Entertainment Group has pushed up reported net annual profit a spectacular 30.7 per cent to $128 million.