ASB Bank continues to be the stand-out winner among the major banks of the mortgage market war instigated by Bank of New Zealand.

As expected, Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard has raised interest rates again, although the market is interpreting his comments and economic projections as less hawkish than expected.

Economists expect the Reserve Bank will raise the official cash rate (OCR) this week with much of the debate centring on just how much.

Westpac's share of the New Zealand mortgage market has remained remarkably steady, especially because it refused to enter the price war that erupted last year.

Taranaki-based TSB Bank has been increasing its profitability as well as its mortgage book, although its mortgage market share has slipped slightly.

The New Zealand Mortgage Brokers Association is going ahead with its planned advertising campaign, kicking off by sponsoring a television program beginning in the second week of January.

New Zealand Finance Holdings is to launch a full takeover bid for Mike Pero Mortgages next week.

Resi Mortgage Corporation is restructuring its business and introducing a separate brand, Olympic, which will be exclusive to mortgage brokers.

The housing market doesn't look remotely like complying with Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard's wishes that it take a breather.

The first winner of the mortgage broker of the year award in 2001, Wayne Oliver of Oliver Financial Services, has decided to leave aggregation group Plan NZ and to work through NZ Mortgage Brokers Association chairman Brian Berry’s firm, Mortgage Works.

As expected, Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard raised interest rates and waved a big stick at "the relentless housing market" and household spending, threatening further rate hikes if they don't calm down.

Most economists are expecting Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard will raise interest rates on Thursday although not all are convinced of the wisdom of doing so.

Superbank and Mortgage People have decided to part company having decided their partnership has been mutually unsatisfactory.

Goldman Sachs JB Were has lowered its return expectations for the New Zealand sharemarket from 6.5% to nil.

House price inflation accelerated yet again in September, continuing the trend shown since March, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

Banks seem to be much better at retaining customers than brokers, an analysis of loan discharges at Pacific Home Loans suggests.