New Zealand Stocks Rally on RBNZ Rate Hold and Bargain Hunting

2026-02-18 04:29 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The NZX 50 surged 215 points, or 1.7%, to close at 13,247 on Wednesday, snapping a three-day losing streak after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand left interest rates unchanged, in line with expectations.

Policymakers expressed confidence that inflation will ease toward the 2% midpoint within a year, citing spare capacity, modest wage growth, and core inflation within target.

Bargain hunting also boosted sentiment after the index hit an over four-month low Tuesday, pressured by accelerating January food inflation and weaker service-sector activity amid adverse weather.

Support also came from firmer U.S.

stock futures after Wall Street edged higher Tuesday, ahead of Fed minutes later today and PCE Price Index data in the coming days.

Sector gains were broad, led by healthcare, financials, and consumer non-durables.

Bellwether Fisher & Paykel Healthcare jumped 3.1% while other standouts included Gentrack Group (5.7%), EBOS Group (3.9%), Property for Industry (3.2%), and A2 Milk Co. (2.6%).



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