Barry Read is joining Newpark and will take on the role as general manager.

Auckland

Wellington

Peter Lynn shares his thoughts this month on Strategic Asset Allocation methodologies.  And concludes that the key is to agree your risk and return objective. Overall, a continuation of challenging times for investors.

Fiscal stimuli worldwide may have averted the worst economic scenarios.  However, they are expensive - "Uncle Sam is running out of money". Andrew Hunt comments on the improvement seen in world markets.  And how this is likely to be temporary.

Salvus Strategic Investment (NZX:SAM) has reappointed the managers of its listed investment trust and changed its investment universe and benchmarks.

Finally we are starting to see some of last week’s cut in the official cash rate being passed onto borrowers, but not by the banks.

Strategic Finance, which gained approval for its moratorium from debenture and noteholders in December, has struggled to refinance outstanding debts as deterioration in the property sector makes it difficult for its borrowers to raise capital.

Nationwide

Nationwide

Lipper award for Tyndall manager; Unlisted stays with M-co, announces first TQ; Mercer launches research boutiques; Macquarie posts 58% profit drop

Rabo Capital Securities says it has capped the amount it plans to raise through its PIE securities offer to $330 million.

The Commerce Commission has cleared home loan break fees charged by National Bank, ASB, SBS Bank and Bank of New Zealand, saying they’re likely to comply with consumer finance law.

The health insurance market appears to be weathering the global economic storm well, according to figures released today by the Health Funds Association of New Zealand (HFANZ).

Wellington