Nathan Penny
Trade deficit in August
New Zealand has posted the biggest trade deficit in almost a year. Official figures show a deficit of $1.2 billion for August, after a small surplus in the previous month. Audio
Butter price hits record high
Butter has hit a record high - $5.39 for a block. So what's behind this boost? ASB Economist Nathan Penny says it's all about what's in fashion in the foodie world. Audio
Fonterra more upbeat about dairy market
The dairy co-operative, Fonterra, has given farmers an upbeat view of the sector and a more bullish forecast payout. Audio
Outlook is for break-even range for dairy farmers - ASB
A rural economist says dairy prices appear to have found a steady spot and the outlook is for them to go higher. Audio
Regional report shines top of south
The top of the South Island is outperforming the rest of the country, in the latest national economic snapshot. Audio
ASB expects Fonterra to lift forecast payout early next year
A rural economist expects the dairy co-operative, Fonterra, to lift its forecast payout early next year. Audio
Upside potential to forecast payout - ASB
A rural economist says farmers could well be pocketing a farm-gate payout of six dollars a kilo of milk solids this season. Audio
Dairy prices rise in latest auction
The outlook for the dairy sector is for a continuation of a gradual lift in prices, albeit with a bit of a volatility, for the rest of the season. Audio
Forecast payout adds nearly a billion to economy - ASB
Fonterra's higher forecast payout to farmers is likely to add nearly a billion dollars to the economy. Audio
Economist reaffirms payout of $6 per kilo of milk solids
A rural economist says today's hefty rise in global dairy prices gives him confidence in ASB sticking with a forecast payout of six dollars a kilo by the end of the season. Audio
Fonterra expected to reaffirm milk payout forecast
Fonterra is expected to reconfirm its preliminary milk payout forecast for the just-started dairy season this morning but there are no signs of an improvement any time soon. Audio
Dairy prices expected to ramp up from later in the year
An economist says dairy prices are expected to head back to near break-even level over the next 12 months. Audio
Dairy farm values, sales drop in new real estate figures
There's concern farmers are facing real pressure with new real estate figures showing a sharp drop in the number and value of farm sales in the past three months. Dairy farm sale values have dipped… Audio
Economist says milk production could fall up to 5 percent
A rural economist says New Zealand milk production could fall as much as five percent during the new dairy season. Audio
RBNZ says banks cope under severe dairy stress test
An economist says the break-even mark for hard hit dairy farmers may be lower than estimated. Audio
RBNZ set to leave cash rate at 2.5 pct, but send dovish message
The Reserve Bank releases its first detailed look at the economy this week, complete with economic and financial market forecasts. Audio
Banks slash dairy price forecast
Retail banks have cut their milk price forecasts for the current season after another fall in dairy prices. Audio
ASB shares Fonterra confidence
A rural economist says Fonterra has grounds to be cautiously confident about holding its forecast payout for this season. Audio
Dairy futures seen as of greater help to industry
The dairy sector -- farmers and dairy companies -- should be looking to make greater use of dairy futures to help control some of the price volatility in the sector. Audio
Economist says lower milk production will support dairy prices
An economist says lower milk production in New Zealand should support dairy prices over the rest of the season. Audio
