Credit-rating downgrades EU rescue fund, yet investors show confidence; Rating agencies critiqued as "neither accurate nor merely observers"; Chinese economy slows; South Korea latest to feel US pressure on Iran sanctions; Pakistani Supreme Court orders PM to appear, South Carolina debate draws fire at Romney; and more
Read MoreStandard & Poors
The Standard & Poor's Budget
Bill English's third Budget has laid foundations. For a couple of short-term goals, in particular. But what's the point if those foundations are being undermined even as they are laid?
Read MoreReluctant Keynesians shaken into spending - again
The earthquake will ask some tough questions of all politicians this year - What will they cut? How much can they borrow? Either way, the government's austerity plans are on hold
Read MoreThe truth about National's so-called stimulus: not a penny more
Pundit has finally received answers from Bill English's office about the government's stimulus package. Contrary to the spin, the government is re-announcing already promised money, it has not added a cent to its spending since December, and while the rest of the world ups the ante, New Zealand is sitting on its hands
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