New Zealand Stocks Edge Higher in Morning Trade

The NZX 50 rose 13 points, or 0.1%, to 13,089 in Thursday morning deals, extending gains from the previous session and following a rally on Wall Street overnight, supported by optimism over US-Iran ceasefire talks. The broader index climbed for the second straight day, mainly supported by consumer discretionary, financials, and real estate. However, the gains were capped by traders’ caution as they were awaiting the release of a slew of data from China, New Zealand's top trading partner, due later today, including Q1 GDP, with the market expecting growth to reach 4.8% year-on-year, up from a 4.5% expansion in Q4 2025. Among notable movers were Hallenstein Glasson Holdings (2.1%), Ebos Group (2.0%), Bankers Investment Trust (0.8%), Freightways Group (0.8%), Summerset Group (0.8%), FC Investment (0.7%), Auckland International Airport (0.5%), Chorus (0.5%), and A2 Milk (0.3%).

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%).