The NZX 50 rose 11 points, or 0.1%, to close at 13,760 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses from both the morning session and the previous day. The advance was driven mainly by strength in technology, real estate, utilities, and communication services.
Sentiment was supported by fresh data from China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, showing solid export growth alongside softer-than-expected annual inflation. However, weakness in financials and energy stocks capped the overall gains.
Investors also looked ahead to upcoming US inflation data for guidance on the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision, as well as New Zealand’s food inflation and business PMI figures due later in the week. At the same time, markets continued to track developments in the Middle East, particularly the Saudi Arabia–Houthi conflict and its implications for oil prices.
Among notable movers, Contact Energy added 1.8%, Hallenstein Glasson 1.7%, Vulcan Steel 1.5%, Summerset Group 1.2%, Chorus 1.1%, and A2 Milk 0.6%.