A review of the things you need to know before you go home on Tuesday; Westpac cuts a home loan rate, Synlait raises payout, consumers more confident

Here are the key things you need to know before you leave work today.

Westpac has cut another mortgage rate, following up its reduction early last week. This time, they have priced their 18 month rate below their main rivals at 5.69% - provided you have at least 20% equity in your property.

BNZ says it sees a greater chance the RBNZ will raise the OCR more than 200 bps in this cycle.

Synlait Milk has increased its payout forecast for the 2013-2014 season and has raised its earnings guidance.

A newish entry in the measurement of consumer confidence, the BNZ/Tony Alexander/NineRewards Consumer Trends survey is reporting strong rises in consumer sentiment.

The Labour Party's pitch for for paid parental leave has found some begrudging support - from National, who say they will do something similar, but less costly. (No matching of the $60/child grant idea though.)

It has been revealed that 2013 was the most expensive year for weather-related insurance claim payouts, since 2004, in new data out today from the Insurance Council.

Swap rates have inched back up 2 or 3 bps today after a small fall over the past few days. 90 day bank bill rates are up again ahead of Thursday's OCR announcement. They are up more than 20 bps since the last OCR review on December 12, 2013.

The NZD has risen slightly vs the USD as the day developed, but we have fallen against the AUD.