New Zealand Shares Trade at Near 2-Week High

The NZX 50 climbed 112 points, or 0.8%, to finish at 13,532 on Tuesday, extending prior-session advances and hovering near a two-week high. Sentiment remained upbeat as U.S. futures were modestly higher following Monday’s Wall Street sell-off, which was driven by tariff uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and concerns over AI investment. Traders also noted reports that China is urging Washington to drop unilateral tariff measures and warning of harmful conflict. Locally, Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman said growth prospects in New Zealand look encouraging after three years of stagnation, with limited geopolitical risks, though cautious households remain a headwind. Despite the upside, strength was capped ahead of January business and consumer confidence data, due later this week. Energy minerals, healthcare, and process industries led advances. Solid performers included Channel Infrastructure (4.4%), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (2.4%), Sanford Ltd. (2.2%), and Tourism Holdings (1.7%).

New Zealand stocks rose 52 points, or 0.4%, to 13,473 in Tuesday morning trade, extending prior-session gains and approaching a two-week high. Strength in energy minerals, healthcare, and process industries supported the move as investors looked past renewed tariff uncertainty after Wellington noted exports to the U.S. remain resilient despite current duties. Yet, Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay acknowledged that risks persist with Washington’s latest tariff actions. On the data front, Monday’s figures showed Q4 2025 retail sales in New Zealand beat forecasts, driven by discretionary spending heading into year-end. In top trading partner China, markets will reopen later today after a week-long Spring Festival. However, gains were capped by caution ahead of New Zealand’s January business and consumer confidence data due later this week. Notable movers included Sanford Ltd. (2.0%), Channel Infrastructure NZ (1.8%), PGG Wrightson (1.3%), and Ryman Healthcare (1.2%).

New Zealand shares advanced 112 points, or 0.8%, to close at 13,420 on Monday, reversing a 1.0% decline in the prior session amid strength mainly from healthcare, producer manufacturing, and consumer non-durables. Risk appetite improved after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping levies, prompting him to raise temporary tariffs on imports to 15% from 10%. Meanwhile, Trump plans to visit China from March 31 to April 2 for talks with Xi Jinping, likely centered on tariffs. Locally, Q4 2025 retail sales beat forecasts on stronger discretionary spending. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank last week held the cash rate at 2.25% and signaled no hikes until growth strengthens. Still, a sharp drop in U.S. futures capped momentum ahead of Nvidia’s results later this week, as U.S. Q4 growth slowed more than expected, and December inflation picked up. Top performers included Tourism Holdings (9.2%), Winton Land (6.1%), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (3.6%), and Fonterra Co-Op (2.5%).