New Zealand Stocks Rise for 3rd Session, Hold Near Two-Week High

New Zealand shares edged up 26 points, or 0.2%, to 13,558 in Wednesday morning trade, extending gains for a third session and holding near a two-week peak. Sentiment was supported by Wall Street’s positive lead Tuesday as easing concerns over AI disruption supported risk appetite. Investors also looked ahead to U.S. President Trump’s State of the Union address for cues on trade policy. In key trading partner China, markets closed notably higher Tuesday after the Lunar New Year break, while the PBoC kept loan prime rates at record lows for a ninth straight month. Gains in Wellington, however, were tempered by caution ahead of upcoming January business and consumer confidence data. Sector-wise, consumer services and process industries mainly advanced, while healthcare, financials, and industrial services lagged. Notable movers included EBOS Group (3.7%), Tourism Holdings (2.3%), Property for Industry (1.8%), and Scales Corp (1.6%).

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%).