PGG Wrightson chief executive Mark Dewdney says one of the keys to getting his company through the last couple of tough seasons has been not doing dumb things. The rural services company reported a slight dip in net profit for the six months ended December to $16 million from $16.1 million in the same six months a year earlier.

Read more ($):https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/pgg-wrightson-boss-avoids-doing-dumb-things-jr-p-199815

In a fairly dry speech to public sector professionals, Finance Minister Steven Joyce has effectively upped the ante on Nationals’ battle over both public sector costs, and the constant battle of words over public spending between National and its Labour and Green party opponents.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/nationals-public-sector-bet

Some commodities investors have amassed a record number of bullish bets on Brent crude oil, pushing their net long positions to the highest level since records started in 2011.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/punters-bet-higher-prices-expert-calls-end-era-cheap-oil-ng-p-199808

The OECD's energy arm has completed a five-year review of New Zealand’s policies and whether they will meet the obligations of last year’s Paris Agreement on climate change.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/editor’s-insight-energy-watchdog-puts-heat-more-renewables-power-efficiency

E tū union boycotted mayoral meeting with Cadbury owner Mondelez by National Business Review

The second half of Fletcher Building’s [NZX:FBU] financial year will have to be particularly strong to make up for a disappointing first half, an analyst says.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/fletcher-buildings-share-price-plunges-after-disappointing-result-cs-p-199853

The economic and political situation in Europe continues to weigh on the euro, forcing it down against the kiwi. The New Zealand dollar rose half a cent against the euro last week, climbing to 68 Euro cents.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/currency-talk-kiwi-could-climb-higher-against-euro-amid-political-uncertainty-jw-p-199839

The government’s first social impact bond pilot programme joins some 60 others operating internationally. Under the bond, effective from February 1, APM Workcare is paid for its success in placing jobseekers with diagnosed mental health conditions into work. Services will be provided to about 1700 people over the 60-month duration of the bond to those living in six South Auckland suburbs.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/new-zealands-first-social-bond-one-60-operating-globally-ns-p-199819

Tower chairman Michael Stiassny is warning shareholders to tread carefully as ASX-listed insurer Suncorp Group makes a rival bid for the New Zealand company.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/tower-chair-stiassny-cautions-shareholders-over-suncorp-offer-b-199818

After a hiatus for US holiday President’s Day, the Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, signed new directives to allow federal agents to crack down more aggressively on undocumented migrants in the US.

Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/trumps-beltway-migrant-crackdown-evolves-and-trump-picks-new-nsa-ns-p-199863