On December 16th, the Capital Market Development Taskforce (CMDT) released their final report to the New Zealand Government. The Taskforce's paper consists of six groups of recommendations for New Zealand's capital markets. According to the report, if implemented, the ideas will improve the contribution of capital markets to the country's economic growth and bring significant fiscal benefits to New Zealanders. The CMDT has proposed that regulations be established to improve financial advisory services and information available to investors, along with improving investment ... Read More

According to a report released by Forsyth Barr, stocks traded on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) are currently trading at a median of 33.2% below their true value. Even measured via a long run average prior to 2003, the NZX has been trading at a below value median of 8.2%, but this figure took an uncharacteristic sharp turn downwards in late 2007 to reach its current level of 33.2%. The NZX index has fallen over 1000 points since May, 600 of those ... Read More

The government’s proposed bank deposit guarantee scheme is planned to be instituted before the November 8th election. While previous government statements placed the timeline for the scheme as being before Christmas Day. This announcement seems to be a warning or an indication of intent so far, as there were a number of details omitted by Michael Cullen concerning the Bank Deposit Scheme. Predominantly the missing details are those surrounding the involvement and requirements from the Australian government and banks in regards. However, previous ... Read More