Watch: Crude oil price plunge
Another plunge in the price of crude oil sent stocks sharply lower on Wednesday, bringing the market to its lowest level in nearly two years.
Another plunge in the price of crude oil sent stocks sharply lower on Wednesday, bringing the market to its lowest level in nearly two years.
US stocks recovered much of an early plunge, but oil suffered its worst one-day drop in months.
If it's true that the stock market has predicted nine out of the last five recessions, then let's hope that this is one of those four fake-outs.
There are two different flavors of "supply side" economics.
Momentum for still lower official interest rates is growing following the release of data showing New Zealand inflation was at its lowest point in 16 years.
As Auckland's property market shows signs of slowing several regions in New Zealand have hit record highs.
By late morning, the Kiwi was trading just under US64c from US64.90c just before the release.
China is adding debt at a pretty fast pace even though it's already done too much of that the last seven years.
Inflation is at its lowest since 1999 - and that's at the heart of the biggest problem facing the economy.
New research has revealed a gloomy outlook among chief executives, particularly about growing geopolitical risks.
China's economic growth missed analysts' estimates last quarter.
Current market turmoil aside things look good for solid growth through 2016.
The gloomy mood of NZ business has turned around, with the latest opinion survey showing better trading activity and confidence about the year ahead.
Eyes will be on China today as the world's 2nd biggest economy releases economic data that could calm or cause more jitters in volatile world markets.
The New Zealand dollar may fall this week on concern about the impact on the local economy of slower Chinese growth, weak dairy prices and low inflation.
Global inequality has reached a stage of 62 people holding the same amount of wealth as the poorest half of the world.
A global stock market sell-off that once appeared likely to only dent investor accounts turned into a larger retreat as concerns grew over the state of China's economy.
What do economists say about inequality?
Fresh milk, chicken and groceries prices all dropped significantly in 2015.
COMMENT: The damage already been done, writes Peters Lyons.
Concern about low oil prices and China's growth prospects has driven New Zealand's sharemarket lower.
China has been roundly criticized for its hit-or-miss approach to checking excessive volatility, yet many nations have similar mechanisms.
New Zealanders spent a record $6b shopping in December, the highest ever monthly figure recorded by Statistics New Zealand.
China's GDP announcement will come next week, amid scepticism about how well the economic report informs the financial world.
The New Zealand dollar fell as commodity prices sank on concern about weaker demand from China, the world's second-largest economy.
NZ investment specialists agree it's time for caution but say the world is not on the brink of another global financial crisis.
As we head into 2016, a trio of trade agreements signed last year will do much to grow the future incomes and living standards of Kiwis, writes Steven Joyce.
Burgernomics suggests value of Kiwi dollar is too low but exporters will likely disagree.