NZ business confidence rises to 7-month high in March as agriculture sentiment lifts

NZ business confidence rises to 7-month high in March as agriculture sentiment lifts
By Tina Morrison March 31 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand business confidence rose to a seven-month high in March, led by improved sentiment in the agricultural sector. A net 35.8 percent of firms are optimistic about the general economy, up from 34.4 percent last month, according to the ANZ Business Outlook. Agriculture improved the most, with a net 24.1 optimistic, up from 15.2 percent last month, which snapped six consecutive months of pessimism. Still, agriculture remained the least confident sector. Higher rainfall, which pushed back...