Equity markets around the world are experiencing lifetime highs - but one expert has warned of the possible risks involved.

The US, Japan, Europe and Australia are all thriving, amid a collective battle with inflation.

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains the situation further.

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The golden era of trade is over and New Zealand needs to push hard to diversify its trading partners, according to a warning from the Deputy Secretary of Trade.

During the Primary Industries Conference, Vangelis Vitalis said primary industry exports went through a boom between 1995 and 2017 but since then, things have become much harder.

The Country's Jamie Mackay unpack the issue further.

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A property expert says housing changes announced today will increase supply - with a massive infrastructure bill attached.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop says they'll let cities expand by stopping councils setting fixed rural-urban boundaries and requiring them to plan for growth 30 years ahead.

Apartment floor area minimums and balcony requirements are being abolished.

Property developer and investor, David Whitburn, says it won't be the holy grail many are looking for.

"It is very expensive to put in the wastewater networks, the roading, the connections to electricity - and so forth."

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis isn’t receptive to calls for the establishment of an independent unit to check Treasury’s forecasts and ensure Government spending is sustainable.

The International Budget Partnership and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are among the organisations that believe New Zealand needs an institution that both costs policies and keeps tabs on the Government’s finances.

They argue it would provide more accountability and align New Zealand with the 80% of OECD countries that have such institutions.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why Nicola Willis has her doubts.

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There's increased efforts to position New Zealand on the world stage and make connections with the US.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon is jetting off to the NATO summit and meeting with officials in Washington next week.

He says he looks forward to forging stronger links with businesses and investors to help rebuild our economy.

Former US Ambassador Tim Groser says the timing couldn't be more tense or important.

"The key issue is what he's going to be able to perceive amongst the other leaders of NATO, given the confluence of the huge strategic threat from the Ukrainian situation and the resurgence of Donald Trump's chances of winning the presidency."

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House prices need to fall at least another 16 percent to become anything like affordable, one forecaster says.

According to the Real Estate Institute, prices remain 15.9 percent below their 2021 peak - but Housing Minister Chris Bishop has indicated they need to drop down more.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further.

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One expert says Paul Goldsmith's proposed new media bill could jump-start conversations about the future of news content in New Zealand.

The Broadcasting Minister plans to implement an amended version of Labour's Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, forcing tech giants to pay for news content.

News Publishers' Association Public Affairs Director Andrew Holden says it's worth discussing potential options with companies like Google and Meta.

"We know news is of value to them, and what we want to do is sit down with these companies and say - journalism matters in New Zealand, you're getting value out of it, what do you think is a fair payment?"

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Fletcher Building's shares have bounced back up after the business completed and handed over part of their NZ International Convention Centre project.

The project is back in SkyCity's hands - with the project on track to reopen by the end of the year.

Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly explains further.

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