Investing in residential property is in the blood in New Zealand. But while we may have been able to get away with a "number-eight wire" style approach in the past, the current tough markets mean it's time to get savvy.

The establishment of a public infrastructure partnership fund open to retail investors is likely to receive a warm welcome, financial advisers suggest.

Equities are currently the asset class to watch - with the real value to be found offshore rather than closer to home, according to AMP Capital Investors head of investment strategy Jason Wong.

BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander says now is the time for borrowers to be reducing the principal on their home loans.

The New Zealand Bankers' Association (NZBA) is to canvass members to gauge the level of involvement it should take in the proposed opposition inquiry into bank interest rates.

Three banks are rumoured to be interested in launching a high interest rate account specifically targeted at investors in ING's frozen funds, to rival that of ANZ.

Our round up of what the economists are thinking at the moment reveals some thought is now being given to interest rates rising earlier than previously expected.

BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander has offered a cautionary note to property investors who may be tempted into the property market next year.

ASB Bank is on the hunt for a recruit to fill its newly created position of general manager of investments as it seeks to push forward its integrated wealth management strategy.

More than 95% of investors in ING's frozen funds have agreed to its offer to receive some of their original investment back, while waiving their rights to legal action in the process.

Borrowers holding out for the right time to switch from floating to fixed rates are being advised that now is a good time to fix for six months to a year - "easily the most favourable rates on offer", the Westpac Weekly Commentary suggests.

The "euphoria" created by the hefty Fonterra payout last year has evaporated, bringing the rural property market back down to more realistic levels, the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) Rural Market report reveals.

Support services provider Strategi is moving away from its exclusive work with ING (NZ) to offer its services to advisers throughout the country.

The Government's latest proposals to bring investment and income tax rates into line will not erode the attractiveness of cash portfolio investment entities (PIE), experts say.

Westpac economists are backing off their view that interest rates will come down further in this economic cycle.

Good Returns speaks to former Farmers Mutual Group ceo Michael Millar about his move to Nelson, his business plans and his seasoned opinions on the financial marketplace.