Around 27 Kiwis a day took out health insurance policies last year, according to figures released by the Health Funds Association (HFANZ).

Auckland

David Henry has been appointed chairman the boards of both Hanover Finance and United Finance, as well as Hanover Capital.

Morningstar has given AMP Capital's New Zealand fixed interest strategy a “recommended” rating and says it is a sound option for investors seeking a defensive local element for their portfolio.

Philip Armstrong has accepted a position as private client adviser at Diversified Investments Strategies, while Sharon Reid joins the company as portfolio administrator.

NZ Funds sets the record straight in relation to its Super Yield Fund. This letter is a response to an article that appeared in the Sunday Star Times.

Wellington

ASB relaunches school savings programme; NZ Funds sets record straight on fund; COF and EYF to be wound up; Tower retains right to sell policies to ANZ National customers; EUFA petitions for inquiry into industry; Plan for stricter global framework.

HBS rated BB; Petricevic Porsche sold; Babcock and Brown down; NZ Post and Kiwibank ratings affirmed; NZX partners with ANZ to create indices.

Two key trends are happening in the home loan market this week; floating rates are actually sinking and some long-term rates are rising.

On a few occasions in 2008, colleagues pointed out the “recklessness” and “inappropriateness” of commentators mentioning the possibility of the global economy slipping into a “depression”.

Andrew Hunt, international economist for Tyndall takes an in-depth look at the issues around global unemployment.

Sovereign has said it will let customers put their term life insurance on hold for up to a year if the life covered is made redundant.

Advisers are being urged to upgrade their educational training and qualifications this year so they will meet competency standards when they are introduced in 2010.

Donal Curtin has stepped down as the deputy chairman of the Commerce Commission but will remain on the commission.