Best of Business

Competition in New Zealand's economy isn't as strong as it could be.
New Commerce Commission analysis of 22 years of Stats NZ data shows average business concentration has dipped slightly.
However, smaller businesses are still struggling to gain traction against larger firms.
Commission Chair John Small says weak competition in essential sectors is also weakening the rest of economy.
He told Mike Hosking that while the size of New Zealand does have an impact on the amount of competition we have capacity for, we can still do a lot better than we are.
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Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to deliver the next Australian federal budget, and reports indicate it's going to be focused on housing.
It's likely new property tax reforms will be unveiled, with an expected crackdown on capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing.
HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained further.
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Rabobank has just released their latest agribusiness monthly report for May, and it's good news for Kiwi farmers.
The report has positive prospects for beef and dairy, thanks to ongoing international demand.
The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.
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The manufacturing sector has been hit hard over the past few years, but ongoing global conflict has worsened current market conditions.
Average profit margins have plunged to 31.53 percent, the lowest since records began in 2018.
This has resulted in more manufacturers clearing out their warehouses, with stock on hand dropping to historically low levels.
Unleashed Head of Product Jarrod Adam says the challenges to the supply chain are being worsened by the Middle East conflict, and experts are unclear on what will happen next.
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Oil prices have jumped more than three percent on the back of another snag in negotiations between the US and Iran.
Donald Trump has taken to social media to call Iran's response to a US 14-point memorandum 'totally unacceptable'.
Brent crude is now trading at more than 104 US dollars a barrel.
Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further.
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