Equity markets have rallied over recent weeks, despite the mixed performance of economies around the world.  In New Zealand, the rally has been significant, accompanied by a strengthening New Zealand dollar.  The latter is an unwelcome ingredient for our economy. In this month's Tyndall Comment, Peter Lynn discusses the New Zealand rally and probability of whether we have seen the bottom of the market yet.  He also explains why the NZD rise is not sustainable.

Andrew Hunt presents the return of investment bankers, describing their critical role in the revitalisation of debt markets and warns of the potential pitfalls still ahead.  The oft quoted "green shoots" of recovery - are they real or just more economic gyrations?

Independent report on DYF/RIF funds released; Plan B boss horrified; Securities Commission to double in size for advisers.

Eosaver, the KiwiSaver scheme owned by Australian firm Eo Financial Services, has decided the market is too crowded and, rather than look for an alternative, has become the first provider to walk out the door.

Former Bridgecorp directors Rod Petricevic and Robert Roest have been banned from directing or managing a company in New Zealand.

The trustee and wealth management company Guardian Trust has appointed Colleen Buist to the role of Auckland Central manager.

St Laurence Property & Finance (SLPF) has reported a net after tax loss of $87.2 million for the year to March 31, blaming the loss largely on property writedowns.

Wellington

Investors in failed finance companies should look first to sue the directors of fraudulent finance companies when seeking damages, not the financial advisers who relied on supposedly credible prospectuses to base their recommendations, according lawyer Brian Henry.