A second of the big finance companies, Strategic Finance, has announced a solid profit for the six months to December.

There’s a raft of rate increases coming through following the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate increase.

National Finance 2000 investors get second payment of capital.

A summary and some comments on the big news stories of the week.

UPDATED: The Professional Advisors’ Association (PAA) and the Life Brokers Association (LBA) have commenced merger negotiations.

While Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard raised interest rates as expected, the central bank's rhetoric wasn't as hawkish as expected.

While Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard raised interest rates as expected, the central bank's rhetoric wasn't as hawkish as expected.

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: “Recent indicators show clear evidence of a pick-up in economic activity in late 2006 and early 2007.

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: “Recent indicators show clear evidence of a pick-up in economic activity in late 2006 and early 2007.

First New Zealand Capital has expanded its range of model portfolio options by adding an Australian Shares portfolio.

UPDATED: ING last night scooped the Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year Awards, taking out the top gong as well as three of the sector awards.