Midday Report for Wednesday 18 February 2015

12:00 PM.Taxpayer funding for New Zealand's next America's Cup challenge looks more likely and NZX confirms it's reviewing recent trading in SkyCity shares. Audio

12:17 PM.One off costs have knocked Fletcher Building's half year profit. Audio

12:19 PM.Meridian Energy has reported a fall in first-half profit as the value of its financial assets fell due to falling interest rates, but its underlying result rose 38 percent. Audio

12:20 PM.New Zealand Oil and Gas has reported a half year loss, due to asset writedowns. Audio

12:21 PM.A strong showing from its classified business has helped the listed online website, Trade Me, lift its profit. Audio

12:23 PM.Insurance Australia Group more than doubled its New Zealand profit to 195 million Australian dollars in the six months ended December. Audio

12:24 PM.An economist says stronger whole milk powder prices means Fonterra's forecast payout is achievable. Audio

12:25 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by James Malden at Macquarie Private Wealth. Audio

12:26 PM.Afghanistan's meteoric rise in world cricket continues this afternoon as they take on Bangladesh in their first ever World Cup game and the Champions League round of 16 has kicked off with two first… Read more Audio

12:34 PM.News from the rural and farming sectors. Audio