NZX 50 Ends 3-Day Losing Streak, Up 0.5%

New Zealand stocks climbed 59 points, or 0.5%, to close at 13,077 on Wednesday, erasing losses from the previous three sessions and tracking a rise on Wall Street overnight, supported by optimism over US-Iran ceasefire talks. The broader index rose from its lowest level since April 2, reached a day earlier, mainly boosted by healthcare, utilities, consumer discretionary, and financials. Market sentiment was also lifted by expectations that the Chinese Q1 economy will grow by 4.8% year-on-year, up from a 4.5% expansion in Q4 2025. A slew of Chinese economic data will be released on Thursday, including Q1 GDP, industrial output, and retail sales. Among the best performers were Ebos Group (3.6%), Contact Energy (1.3%), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (1.2%). Ryman Healthcare jumped 3.4% after registering a 10% year-on-year rise in total sales for Q4 FY2026, while Air New Zealand also surged 3.4% after reporting strong passenger growth.

The NZX 50 increased 35 points, or 0.3%, to 13,052 in Wednesday morning trade, halting losses from the previous three sessions and tracking a rise on Wall Street overnight, supported by optimism over US-Iran ceasefire talks. The broader index rose from its lowest level since April 2, reached a day earlier, mainly boosted by healthcare, consumer staples, consumer discretionary, and materials. However, Tuesday's Chinese trade balance data, from New Zealand's top trading partner, capped the gain, as the mainland's exports rose much less than expected. Traders also anticipated the release of a slew of economic data from China on Thursday, including Q1 GDP, amid rising oil prices. Among early gainers were Henderson Far East Income (1.8%), Chorus (1.0%), A2 Milk (0.8%), Auckland International Airport (0.5%), and Mainfreight (0.4%).

New Zealand stocks fell slightly by 3 points, or 0.02%, to close at 13,017 on Tuesday, reversing early gains and extending losses for a third straight session. The NZX 50 remained at its lowest level since April 2, as hopes of further US–Iran peace talks failed to lift market sentiment amid US President Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Monday’s data continued to weigh on sentiment, as the country’s services sector shrank the most in 10 months. Chinese trade data also added pressure, given that China is New Zealand’s top trading partner, with exports growing far less than expected. Most sectors traded in the red, including consumer staples, communication services, financials, and technology. The worst performers included A2 Milk (-2.8%), amid expectations of profit forecast cuts linked to supply chain disruptions, Westpac Banking Corp. (-2.3%), Gentrack Group (-2.1%), Chorus (-2.1%), Mainfreight (-0.8%), and Infratil (-0.8%).