mortgage broker berkshire

More commission cuts likely

Comment: ANZ's discussion document proposing to cut upfront commissions paid to mortgage brokers won't be the last.

Most of the banks will move to cut commissions to improve their margins. Word has it that National Bank will do something, maybe as early as next week, and Westpac isn't far away suggesting a similar move, but perhaps a bigger cut. The unknown is what ASB Bank is thinking.

Added to this it seems the aggression in the BNZ Unbeatable campaign has been removed and replaced by TotalMoney.

Likewise it would be no surprise to see BNZ re-enter the broker market. Again word has it that such a move maybe a little closer than many expect.

A view expressed previously is that with a change in leadership at the bank there will also be a change in strategy.

merrell man shoes

Scoreboard

Area schedule

TODAY

COLLEGE

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

NCAA second round: At Austin, Texas Marquette vs. Oklahoma (6 p.m.).

TUESDAY

COLLEGE

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

NCAA second round: At Hartford, Conn. UW-Green Bay vs. Connecticut (8:30 p.m.).

JUNIOR HOCKEY

USHL: Des Moines at Green Bay (7:05 p.m.).

PREP

GIRLS' TRACK

Nonconference: Appleton North at Manitowoc Invitational (4 p.m.).

Auto racing

NASCAR NEXTEL CUP KOBALT TOOLS 500

HAMPTON, Ga. Results from Sunday's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Lap length: 1.54 miles; state drivers in boldface).

1. (3) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 325 laps, 152.915 mph., $233,261.

car hifi tuning

Carmen Electra Plays Candy Fiveways Like A Porn Pro

Carmen Electra didn't have to watch any adult movies to research her porn star role in new movie 'I Want Candy' - because she has seen enough already!

The sexy star plays a top adult movie actress, called Candy Fiveways, in the new British comedy. It tells the story of two wannabe porn directors - and Electra had no problem relating to the role because she is already a porn connoisseur.

Speaking at the London premiere of the film last night (20.03.07), Carmen told BANG Showbiz: "I didn't really need to do any research for the part, like watch lots of porn films. I've already seen enough!"

.

electric car racing

Small Cars In Hot Demand

Demand for small cars has seen their values increase by 30 per cent in the last year according to used car sales statistics released today by Turners Auctions.

In the under 1300cc category there has been an average price increase of 30 per cent in 2006 based on actual Turners sales figures.

Turners General Manager, Marketing Todd Hunter says demand for small cars has been driven by the high fuel prices in the first half of 2006 and a growing environmental conscience among New Zealand motorists.

“The larger engine cars have seen a significant reduction in the average value which can be attributed to both fluctuating oil prices and a desire to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions,” said Mr Hunter.

The Subaru Legacy is New Zealand’s top selling second-hand vehicle but Toyota remains our favourite make of car, according to Turners Auctions which accounts for eight per cent of the total used car market in New Zealand.

heelys shoes skate

Metal Mania 3 - "Stripped On The Strip Hollywood Concert (With ...

Basically, this was a release party for Volume 3 of the VH1 Metal Mania 3 CD (which was also included in our ticket price). Not a bad disc if you enjoy these bands and how their songs come off acoustically.

I Arrived about 8:45, just in time to catch the last two songs from Jani Lane, former singer of Warrant. Despite all Id read about Jani on the Metal Sludge website, Jani appeared coherent and in pretty good shape. His voice sounded just fine too. Unfortunately, I did not recognize either of his last two songs, although they both went over with the crowd pretty well.

Next up was Don Dokken...by himself, with just an acoustic guitar, a lit cigarette and a glass of Jack Daniels. Don mentioned that he contacted Mick Brown about the show, but ultimately decided just to do it himself, without any other band members.