NZX 50 Hits New Record High

New Zealand stocks climbed 29 points, or 0.2%, to 14,042 in Thursday morning trading, up for the third consecutive session, tracking a rise in US stock futures following a surge in Nvidia shares after its earnings report. The broader index hit a fresh record high after surpassing 14,000 for the first time on Wednesday, supported by the materials sector. Optimism over earnings reports continued to lift sentiment, with some set to announce their results today, including Genesis Energy and Summerset Group. Traders tried to capitalize on the momentum, with gains in energy, healthcare, utilities, and consumer discretionary. Among early gainers were EBOS Group (2.9%), Chorus (0.8%), Turners Automotive (0.6%), and ANZ Group (0.5%). Meanwhile, Genesis Energy rose 1.1% ahead of its earnings release, while Summerset Group jumped 4.2% after reporting a 92% surge in net profit for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

New Zealand stocks rose 20 points, or 0.2%, to close at a record high of 14,013 on Wednesday, halting weakness in morning trade and extending gains in the previous session, mainly buoyed by gains in materials, consumer staples, and tech sectors. The broader index surpassed 14,000 for the first time, with the materials sector surging 2.8%, supported by a jump in Vulcan Steel (4.8%) after reporting a 20% rise in earnings per share for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026. Optimism over earnings reports continued to lift sentiment as some companies will announce their results on Thursday and Friday. An upbeat session on Wall Street overnight also fueled sentiment, buoyed by strong tech sectors, easing oil prices, and lower US Treasury yields. Other top gainers were Colonial Motor (3.0%), A2 Milk (2.4%), and Fletcher Building (2.1%). Meanwhile, Meridian Energy fell 1.7%, despite posting a net profit for the 12 months ended June, rebounding from a loss in the same period of 2025.

New Zealand stocks fell 15 points, or 0.1%, to 13,982 in Wednesday morning deals, erasing gains in the previous session, mainly weighed down by losses in healthcare, energy, and utilities. Traders continued to brace for the release of earnings reports later this week, with Meridian Energy reporting today. Caution also prevailed ahead of the US PCE price data for guidance on the Fed's monetary policy decision at its upcoming meeting, as well as speeches from FOMC officials at the Jackson Hole Symposium later this week. An upbeat session on Wall Street overnight also prevented the index from falling further, buoyed by strong tech sectors, easing oil prices, and lower US Treasury yields. Among early decliners were Fisher & Paykel (-0.9%), Hallenstein Glasson (-0.9%), Contact Energy (-0.7%), and Freightways Group (-0.6%). Meanwhile, Meridian Energy fell 0.5% ahead of the release of earnings, while Channel Infrastructure dropped 0.3%.