World shares were up overnight as investors embrace the news that the Greek bailout may actually succeed.

NZ banks may follow their Australian parents and hike floating mortgage rates before any official move, but will struggle to justify it.

The New Zealand dollar dipped below 63 euro cents for the first time in more than a week amid speculation a Greek deal is near.

The kiwi dollar has touched a new record high against the Euro, hitting 63.20 euro cents.

Stocks in Europe and the US rallied overnight, with a big jump in US housing starts, good German business confidence and a healthy appetite for Spanish debt.

Worries over the fate of the euro and the EU's member states continue to drag on the single currency and equities in Europe and on Wall Street.

The euro has fallen to an 11-month low versus the US dollar and global equities are extending losses on Wall St.

Equities on both sides of the Atlantic dropped overnight on disappointment the European Central Bank won't be boosting its bond purchases to help ease the euro zone's fiscal crisis.

There was not much Christmas cheer from the Reserve Bank today but no Grinch in evidence either.