Substantial differences in interest rates impact materially on borrowers' wallets, so it's little  wonder that choosing when to fix, and the mortgage term, is an inevitable source of angst," says Leo Krippner.

Southland

Sovereign debt implications for New Zealanders are threefold according to NZ Funds, with the maths of sovereign debt and the probability of defaulting widely misunderstood.

Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), which holds a 10.8% shareholding in Fidelity Life Assurance Company, has signalled its opposition to Tower's takeover notice. 

Dunedin

The new "Heartland Bank" has announced the make up of its management team.

Christchurch

FE Investments’ survival beyond the expiry of the government’s retail guarantee period looks doubtful if one goes by the redemptions the company faces prior to October 12 and the attractive rates it is now offering to refinance the debentures.

DirectDebit.co.nz has launched a new Do-It-Yourself guide to help consumers switching banks to make sure their direct debt payments move successfully with them.

Competition for deposits has meant that upward adjustment in rates are continuing despite the market having pared down expectations of any further rate hikes by the Reserve Bank in 2010.