Latest from Banking and finance

China’s population decline accelerates as economy reaches low growth target

Financial Times: Deepening property sector crisis, deflation and demographic pressures.

Council fails to sell Auckland Film Studios — here's its excuse

No buyers emerge after two-year process, which kicked off after $37.5m grant for upgrades.

The changing face of Auckland: Apartment projects to dominate in 2024

But as some rise, why are others struggling to get off the ground?

Holiday spend hangover: Westpac warns of financial distress

A major bank is warning consumers to budget this year.

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.

Price war for spot bitcoin ETF heats up ahead of key SEC ruling

Financial Times: BlackRock, Ark and Grayscale slash management fees.

Can ‘water batteries’ solve the energy storage conundrum?

Financial Times: Plant aims to show pumping water up mountain can work in energy system.

Cloud giants offer only limited protection to businesses over AI copyright claims

Financial Times: Amazon, Microsoft and Google pledge to defend customers from IP issues.

Boeing and supplier shares dive after mid-flight Alaska Airlines accident

Financial Times: Investigators locate door that blew out of 737 Max aircraft.

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 ...