Reaction to the Government's announcement yesterday to postpone key stages of the emissions trading scheme.

The Government has indefinitely postponed key stages of the emissions trading scheme.

The Government has pushed out the dates and levels at which New Zealand will face higher carbon costs under the emissions trading scheme.

Insurance premiums in New Zealand and Australia rose well above the international average in 2011, according to global reinsurer, Swiss Re.

Equities slumped on both sides of the Atlantic overnight as concern prevailed that this week's two-day summit of EU leaders will produce little in the way of turning around the debt crisis.