Consumer confidence has strengthened over the past three months, the Westpac McDermott Miller survey found, thanks to a rebound in rural New Zealand.

Export log prices dropped for the first time in eight months as shipments to China, the nation's largest market, exceeded demand.

Pumpkin Patch's attempt to hose down market enthusiasm about a potential takeover failed to have the desired effect yesterday.

The head of Australia's banking regulator says the current state of the housing market poses a possible risk to the economy, even if it isn't in a bubble.

Wall Street gained overnight, erasing earlier losses.

One of the great disconnects of the financial world involves our best-known stock market indicator - the Dow industrials.

Sitting on the desks of central bank governors and regulators across the world is a scholarly report that gently hints at horrors in store.

Wellington Beltway denizens often refer to MFAT as standing for the Ministry for Fonterra and other Trade.

A partnership with Beingmate Baby & Child could begin boosting Fonterra's branded infant formula sales in China this year.

New Zealand shares rose yesterday, paced by Fletcher Building, as investors were drawn to firms that have under-performed the benchmark index.

Dairy giant Fonterra will purchase an 18.8 per cent stake in Chinese infant formula maker Beingmate Baby & Child, slightly less than the 20 per cent shareholding it was aiming for.

Known for their oil fields, refineries, and petrol stations, BP, Royal Dutch Shell and Total are also the world's biggest oil traders.