A big reduction in European stocks of skim milk powder (SMP) was behind its whopping 10.3% rise in price at last week’s auction, economists concur.

Economists aren't too excited about last week’s 2.2% overall lift in the Global Dairy Trade price index.

China remains the key to where the global marketplace is heading in dairy prices, says Westpac economist Anne Boniface.

Global dairy prices have fallen again and supply expectations out of New Zealand might be at play.

A banker has warned Fonterra to keep its navel gazing to a minimum.

Export commodity prices have started 2018 on a firm footing thanks in part to the buoyant global trade backdrop. 

Westpac senior analyst Anne Boniface says fears of tighter international supplies, particularly for whole milk powder, helped dairy prices squeeze higher in the first few Global Dairy Trade auctions of 2018. 

The threat of a big drought is prompting Westpac to contact its farmer clients to see what help they may need.

Fonterra's forecast milk price of $6.75/kgMS is looking shaky, bank economists agree.

The number of dairy farms coming on the market is seen as a sign of confidence returning to the industry.