The NZX 50 rose 78 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 13,828 on Monday, advancing for a third consecutive session and marking its highest close since September 30. Gains were led primarily by healthcare, financial, and energy stocks. Sentiment improved as easing oil prices helped temper inflation worries, amid expectations that increased Russian diesel exports could partially relieve global fuel shortages.
The local market also followed Wall Street’s advance on Friday, supported by optimism over a potentially strong corporate earnings season. Nonetheless, investors remained cautious ahead of key domestic data, including New Zealand’s food inflation figures and the latest business PMI, both due later this week.
Market participants were also looking to upcoming US inflation data for signals on the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision, as well as China’s September CPI and PPI releases for further guidance on global economic conditions.
Notable gainers included Ryman Healthcare (+7.0%), Ebos Group (+4.9%), Brisco Group (+3.5%), South Port NZ (+3.0%), ANZ Group (+2.7%), Westpac Banking Corp. (+2.2%), Infratil (+1.8%), and Fisher & Paykel (+1.6%).
