South Canterbury Finance's 2012 bonds have changed hands in a flurry this week at yields ranging between 30% and 40% as investors demand more of a premium to hold debt that would fall outside the extended government guarantee.

The Securities Commission has laid criminal charges and issued civil proceedings against Capital + Merchant Finance directors.

Retail spending levels have fallen which means the Reserve Bank may be able to delay tightening of monetary policy for longer says BNZ economist Tony Alexander.

Receivers for failed finance company Capital + Merchant Finance have referred documents to the Serious Fraud Office for investigation into transactions that appear to have benefitted "certain related parties."

Economists have been expecting a rise in fixed mortgage rates, however lenders have thrown in a curve ball this week with nine lenders making cuts.

Economists have been expecting a rise in fixed mortgage rates, however lenders have thrown in a curve ball this week with twelve lenders making cuts.  

Auckland

North Shore

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has delayed its decision on two competing bids for AXA Asia Pacific Holdings.

Nelson

Wellington