The NZX 50 added 17 points, or 0.1%, to close at 12,932, trimming stronger gains from earlier in the session but still extending the previous day’s advance after fresh data showed inflation was unchanged in the first quarter. Annual inflation held at 3.1% in Q1, matching Q4’s 1.5-year high and exceeding market expectations of 2.9%. The figure remained above the RBNZ’s 1–3% target band, reinforcing expectations that the central bank will keep interest rates on hold at its upcoming meeting, even as quarterly GDP growth slowed in Q4 2025.
The broader index tracked gains in US futures, supported by optimism over a potential second round of US–Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Real estate, technology, and energy stocks led the advance, with notable rises in Mainfreight (+3.7%), Ventia Services Group (+2.9%), Hallenstein Glasson Holdings (+2.4%), F&C Investment Trust (+1.7%), Gentrack Group (+1.4%), Port of Tauranga (+1.1%), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (+0.4%).
