KiwiSaver will give New Zealanders more choices for securing their financial futures, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said in a statement today.

International equities outperform, Salvus reports loss, Trans-Tasman offerings coming soon, Review progressing, Borrow to invest. Comments; Tax takes and the deal of the year.

This week has seen some diverging views on where the markets are heading with stories from AMP and Alliance Bernstein.

Fastsaver growing fast, South Canterbury Finance looks for CFO, Avon raises capital successfully, S&P on Western Bay Finance accounts.

PricewaterhouseCoopers tax partner Paul Mersi says 2006 ansthe crunch year for tax issues.

Sydney

AXA says it is optimistic for the outlook for its New Zealand business “with significant improvements expected to the structure of the managed funds market” this year and next.

Australian-based Alliance Bernstein director, retail markets Bruce Garratt, who is in New Zealand at the moment, is warning advisers that the good returns from international shares won’t continue this year.

Cullen gives hint on Australian investments, Plans to better look after unitholders, Generator off negative watch, Fitch rating for Trustees Executors.

Auckland

The story of the week for me was the launch of Rabobank’s new retail offerings, namely an online call account and competitive term deposits.