Latest from Banking and finance

December spending on a “sharper decline than expected”

Electronic card spending fell at the end of last year which might be bad news for retail.

Harcourts' agency owner liquidates, forms new company to continue

"Relationship breakdown" cited by the liquidator as the reason for the companies folding.

What we really know about the global economy

Financial Times: We must pay attention to the forces that will certainly shape our future.

Nike races to keep from losing ground to more nimble rivals

Financial Times: CEO John Donahoe tasked with trying to reposition sportswear giant.

Opinion: Competent jerks have a shelf life in the office

Financial Times: Performance alone will only get you so far, writes Anjli Raval.

US drawn further into Middle East conflict with Houthi strikes

Financial Times: US struggles to balance deterrence and diplomacy amid war shockwaves.

Bitcoin’s Wall Street takeover frustrates crypto’s true believers

Financial Times: Approval of first bitcoin ETFs undermines libertarian vision.

$40 million Pakatoa Island no longer for sale

He's in the rare position of having one of the few privately owned islands in the Gulf.

Opinion: Like it or not, high immigration is here to stay

Financial Times: Western politicians who promise to curb migration are doomed to fail.

Congress leaders reach $2.6 trillion deal on spending

Financial Times: Agreement between Republicans, Democrats comes before funding deadline.

Fears deposit insurance could give big banks more market power

Small non-bank deposit takers urge Govt not to make scheme too big and costly.

Activist investors mount record number of attacks against companies

Financial Times: More shareholders are picking proxy fights with businesses.

Diana Clement: How to spend nothing for a month

OPINION: Avoiding dining out or ditching single-use shopping items are just the start ...

Market close: NZ shares stage late comeback, Infratil leads way

Uncertainty remains over the timing of US Fed interest rate cuts.

Fed officials said rates could remain high ‘for some time’

Financial Times: Meeting minutes appear to pour cold water on prospect for cuts.

Tesla overtaken by China’s BYD as world’s biggest EV maker

Financial Times: Sales from Elon Musk’s group beat estimates, fall behind Chinese rival.

Business trends, people to watch and risks on the horizon in 2024

Financial Times: AI will still be the big tech story but luxury is losing its sparkle.

The Chinese company knocking Tesla off the top EV spot

Financial Times: Strong sales increase pressure on US pioneer to keep crown as top seller.