Question

data and information and its analysis of bill of exchange

Answer 1

Businesses have been paying their bills at the fastest rate recorded in 10 years of commercial invoice data, with payment times across New Zealand dipping below the 40-day mark in the last quarter of 2013 to an average of 39.6 days.

The findings by credit reporting body Dun & Bradstreet underscore the healthier financial position of many companies and industries over the past year, and the relative strength of the New Zealand economy which this month became the world's first advanced market to increase interest rates.

In comparison to Australia, where company payment times have stalled at an average of 53 days, the corporate sector in New Zealand has been able to steadily increase the rate of its invoice payments through 2013 as it benefits from strong business and consumer confidence, trade activity and investment.