Markets

NZ dollar drifts and ends at US70c

NZPA

The New Zealand dollar drifted lower for most of a quiet session but recovered to finish near where it started.

Sharemarket ends little changed

NZPA

The New Zealand sharemarket continued to reflect a patchy economy, ending today mixed on light volume.

Australian shares follow Wall St higher

AAP

The Australian share market has risen in opening trade, after Wall Street staged a late rally to finish higher overnight.

Wall Street ends on high note

Reuters

The S&P 500 hit a 17-month closing high as rising bank shares led a late rally that lifted US stocks on Thursday, more than offsetting worries China may move to cool its overheating economy.

European shares fall as data fails to cheer

Reuters

European shares slipped from a seven-week high to end lower overnight as economic numbers failed to impress investors and a spike in Chinese inflation raised the prospects of interest rate hikes in the country.

Australian shares open stronger

AAP

The Australian stock market has opened higher shrugging off a mixed lead from offshore markets where Wall Street and oil prices ended firmer but precious and base metals prices weakened.

Kiwi steady ahead of rates announcement

NZPA

There was solid demand for the New Zealand dollar ahead of this morning's monetary policy statement by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Banks boost Wall St

Reuters

Bank and technology shares lifted Wall Street today on hopes a revival in business demand will boost corporate profits.

European shares hit seven-week high

Reuters

European shares closed at a seven-week high overnight as equities shook off two straight sessions of losses, with banks rallying and oil majors supported by firmer crude prices.

Australian shares open firmer

AAP

The Australian share market opened 0.2 per cent firmer, after Wall Street posted modest gains on the first anniversary of the US share market's 12-year low.