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.

Fidelity responds to TOWER's hostile offer; KiwiSaver growth slows; Commission consults on standard conditions for QFEs; Nothing more than a pause.

Investors in Aorangi Securities, one of Allan Hubbard’s frozen investment vehicles, will get a 3 cent payment in the dollar this month as the statutory managers prepare to sell some of its low-hanging assets.

Tower has made a $118 million cash and scrip takeover offer for Fidelity Life, which if successful will lift its share of the life insurance market.

TOWER has today filed a takeover notice of an $118 million offer to acquire 100% of the shares in Fidelity Life.

As the debate over a possible double dip in the global economy intensifies, many optimists are taking heart from last year's sharp revival in corporate profitability, which they clearly hope will sustain, if not global activity rates, then at least global share prices over the coming months.

BOP/Waikato

South Canterbury Finance’s 35,000 debenture and deposit holders will have to wait until the middle of next month to their $1.6 billion returned.

Last week's GDP figures and the US Federal Reserve's preparedness to provide "additional accommodation" to keep long-term interest rates low have surprised everyone.