New Zealand

New Zealand's central bank slashed rates by 50 basis points on Wednesday and said policy is still restrictive even though inflation has returned to target, prompting markets to bet on yet more aggressive easing and sending the kiwi dollar skidding, Reuters reported. “The Committee agreed that it is appropriate to cut the OCR (official cash rate) by 50 basis points to achieve and maintain low and stable inflation, while seeking to avoid unnecessary instability in output, employment, interest rates, and the exchange rate," the central bank said in its policy statement.
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Synlait Milk said on Tuesday it aims to raise NZ$217.8 million ($133.34 million) from its top two investors in a bid to reduce its debt, a failure of which could lead to the New Zealand-based dairy producer's insolvency, Reuters reported. Synlait will issue shares worth NZ$185 million to Bright Dairy & Food Co at NZ$0.6 apiece, raising the Chinese company's stake in Synlait to 65.25% from 39.01%.
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