The government-owned Kiwibank's net profit surged to $7.2 million for the year ended June 30 from an $0.5 million loss last year, although the fourth quarter result eased to a $2.3 million profit from $2.4 million in the third quarter.

While house prices are currently greatly inflated compared with the long-term trend, it's likely to take a long time before they adjust back to trend, says Andrew Gawith, an economist at Infometrics.

The major banks would be well-advised to take note of the results of a survey of mortgage brokers that shows an overwhelming preference for trail commissions.

economists and the wholesale interest rates markets expect the Reserve Bank will leave interest rates unchanged when it releases its monetary policy statement on Thursday.

ANZ National Bank's net profit fell and it continued to lose market share in the mortgage market.

Bank of New Zealand gained a smidgen more share of the mortgage market in the June quarter but its profitability is suffering slightly.

The move by ANZ/National Bank to cease paying mortgage brokers trails seems to be paying of in increased business for Pacific Home Loans, says company founder Roger Poulter.

House price inflation accelerated yet again in July, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

As expected, Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard left interest rates unchanged but kept his tone hawkish, highlighting his expectation that annual inflation will rise above his 3% target in coming quarters and that there's no prospect of rates falling in the foreseeable future.

Economists are unanimous that Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard will leave interest rates unchanged when he reviews his official cash rate on Thursday; the only debate is how hawkish his comments will be.

House price inflation is accelerated further in June, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

House price inflation is accelerated further in May, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

House price inflation is accelerated further in May, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

As expected Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard left his benchmark official cash rate (OCR) unchanged but warned of upside inflation risks and that there is no scope for easing interest rates in the foreseeable future.

Despite Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard's hawkish words threatening a further rate cut when he last reviewed interest rates in late April, a message reinforced in two subsequent speeches, economists expected him to leave rates unchanged on Thursday.

Despite Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard's hawkish words threatening a further rate cut when he last reviewed interest rates in late April, a message reinforced in two subsequent speeches, economists expected him to leave rates unchanged on Thursday.