FX.co ★ New Zealand Stocks Head for Weekly Gain

The NZX 50 rose modestly by 12 points, or 0.1%, to close at 13,445 on the last trading day of the week. This increase offset losses from the previous session, driven by advancements in consumer staples, technology, and financial stocks. Investor sentiment improved amid expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. Optimism was further buoyed by a recent statement from RBNZ Governor Christian Hawkesby, indicating that the economic recovery is gaining momentum. Additionally, new data revealed that New Zealand's consumer confidence reached its highest level in five months by November, following a record 11-year high in business sentiment reported the day before. Despite this, market movement was limited due to the absence of new catalysts and the Thanksgiving holiday resulting in Wall Street's closure. Market participants were also keenly awaiting the release of Chinese PMI data to better understand the mainland's economic prospects. Notable early gainers included Ebos Group (1.6%), Mainfreight (0.6%), Freightways Group (0.6%), Fonterra (0.5%), and Infratil (0.5%). For the week, the index appears set for a marginal rise of 0.2%.