The NZX 50 ended Tuesday virtually unchanged at 13,094, reversing earlier gains as strength in financials and healthcare was offset by weakness in consumer durables, energy minerals, and logistics. Market sentiment softened in tandem with a pullback in U.S. stock futures, despite comments from President Trump suggesting a possible end to the Iran conflict.
In China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, both exports and imports grew more than expected over the first two months of 2026, although the broader outlook remains constrained by both external and domestic headwinds. In Australia, consumer confidence improved in March for the first time in four months, even as business sentiment for February slipped into negative territory.
Among individual stocks, Air New Zealand declined about 1% after withdrawing its second-half guidance due to jet fuel price volatility linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Other notable decliners included T&G Global (-6.7%), Mainfreight (-2.8%), and Channel Infrastructure (-1.8%). On the upside, Scott Technology advanced 3.5%, while Summerset Group and Contact Energy rose 2.5% and 1.6%, respectively.
