NEW ZEALAND
<i> Times Staff and Wire Reports</i>
Economy Shows Signs of Slowing: A survey by the Ord Minnett Securities brokerage firm found that the country’s economic growth indicator changed little for December from November. The nation recorded a growth pace of 6.2% for the year ended Sept. 30. “Business confidence and consumer confidence did fall materially in December in response to higher interest rates and the rise in the value of the New Zealand dollar,” the company said. However, those factors were offset by a strong rise in the prices of exported commodities. Manufacturers also expect to export more because of increased international demand, it said.
