The NZX 50 edged up 10 points, or 0.1%, to close at 12,915 on Monday, trimming earlier gains but snapping a two-session losing streak, supported by strength in financials, technology, and materials stocks. Sentiment was buoyed by fresh trade data showing New Zealand recorded an NZ$0.70 billion surplus in March, a reversal from the NZ$0.79 billion deficit in the same month of 2025.
Upside was limited, however, by a pullback in U.S. futures after Iran once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, following the U.S. seizure of an Iranian vessel. Investors also remained cautious ahead of Tuesday’s release of Q1 inflation figures, which are expected to help shape the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy outlook amid rising oil prices.
Notable gainers included Henderson Far East Income (up 2.6%), Gentrack Group (2.2%), Infratil (2.1%), Meridian Energy (2.0%), Colonial Motor Company (1.7%), and ANZ Group (1.4%).
