A government discussion document released today sets out proposals for fairer taxation of the life insurance business.

Wellington

Provincial Finance debenture holders are getting another payment of 7.5c in the dollar, taking total payouts so far to 72.5c.

The new Celsius fund being promoted in New Zealand by Macquarie is another option for investors to get international share exposure, but lower risks than normal.

New Zealand Finance has secured two significant lending facilities, one from ASB's parent, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), and the other from Westpac.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services says that the level of loans underlying New Zealand residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) that are in arrears by more than 30 days maintained its long-term downward trend in August, recording 1.89%.

Internationally investors are dedicating larger slices of their total investment portfolio to private equity, hedge funds and real estate, than previously and the trend is likely to happen in New Zealand too.

Hamilton

Stubbs speaks with ASSET, House price growth eases some more, Offers and Offers.

One of the things I have observed over the years is that the government and others tend to have a habit of giving the financial services industry big presents at Christmas time.

Advisers associations are still getting their head around the bill introduced to Parliament this week which will regulate their members' business activities.

Capital + Merchant's legal attempts to stave off receivership have provided a disturbing insight into the poor shape of the business.