On Tuesday, the S&P/NZX 50 inched up by 0.2%, closing at 13,548. The index maintained its position within a narrow trading range as the conclusion of the year for global financial assets approached. Anticipation builds for Wednesday's shortened trading hours, with the market remaining closed until Friday in observance of the New Year holiday. In terms of stock performance, key players displayed mixed outcomes. Noteworthy increases were observed in index leaders such as Fisher & Paykel, up by 0.5%, and Meridian Energy, which rose by 0.7%. Additional prominent upward movements were seen from Mercury NZ, advancing 1.3%, A2 Milk increasing by 0.9%, Mainfreight edging up by 0.3%, and Ebos Group gaining 0.4%. In contrast, declines were noted from Auckland International Airport and Contact Energy, each down by 0.5%, as well as Port of Tauranga and Spark NZ, both decreasing by 0.4%. Meanwhile, investors are closely evaluating the potential for further monetary easing by the Federal Reserve in 2026, with the release of the FOMC meeting minutes anticipated later today. As of now, the benchmark index is poised to secure an annual increase exceeding 3% by the end of 2025.