FX.co ★ NZ Stocks End Lower, Still Log Weekly Gain

The S&P/NZX 50 index concluded Friday's trading session with a modest decline of 0.1%, closing at approximately 12,561. This setback interrupted a two-day upward trend as market participants closely monitored developments in global trade. Investor sentiment was marked by caution due to persisting uncertainties surrounding US tariffs, despite recent communications between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed to resume trade discussions. In spite of the drop on Friday, the index marked its first weekly improvement in three weeks, buoyed by gains in the financial and utility sectors. Notably, Westpac Banking and Precinct Properties saw increases exceeding 1%. In the utilities sector, Meridian Energy surged over 2%, while Contact Energy climbed more than 1%. Conversely, the miscellaneous and healthcare sectors faced declines, with significant downturns observed in F&C Investment (-1.2%), Infratil (-1.4%), Fisher & Paykel (-1.7%), and Ebos Group (-1.4%).