![Expect 'red streaks' in budget - PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Expect 'red streaks' in budget - PM
The Government's budget in May will show the cost of the Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister John Key says.
The Government's budget in May will show the cost of the Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister John Key says.
The New Zealand dollar may extend its losses this week as the cost of the Christchurch earthquake becomes clearer.
The receivers of Equitable Mortgages say it's too soon to say how much of the property lender's $188.4m worth of loans they are likely to recover.
John Key indicated last night that Earthquake Commission levies could triple because of the damage caused by the Christchurch earthquake.
Foreign investors boosted their share of government debt on issue last month to just shy of $28b, as the Crown borrows $300m a week to maintain its spending programme.
The Govt's case for selling down some asset stakes sits on a three-legged stool. On examination it is not particularly sturdy.
Just 6 per cent of investors think shares offer the best rate of return, while rental property is still a popular investment, according to a survey by ASB.
A trail of documents show a lack of communication, an absence of Cabinet papers and the lone hand of Finance Minister Bill English in approving $4.8 million in public money for an agency that was ultimately left out in the cold.