FX.co ★ New Zealand Shares Close Flat

The S&P/NZX 50 index remained unchanged at 13,446 on Monday as investors exercised caution leading up to a week packed with significant economic data releases. Domestically, market participants are anticipating the announcement of the January business PMI, December visitor arrivals, and the Q1 business inflation expectations. Internationally, China, which is New Zealand’s primary trade partner, will publish its January inflation and producer price data. Additionally, the United States is set to release its January unemployment rate and inflation figures. These data releases, expected later in the week, will likely influence perspectives on earnings forecasts, interest rate projections, and global risk sentiment. Among the major stocks, Infratil gained 1.9%, Auckland International Airport rose by 1.4%, and Meridian Energy increased by 0.7%, counterbalancing losses seen in Spark NZ, which dropped by 2.2%, and Fisher & Paykel, which decreased by 1.6%. Furthermore, New Zealand plans to build an LNG import facility in Taranaki by 2027–2028. This initiative aims to secure backup gas supplies, ensure stable electricity provision, reduce energy costs, and bolster the energy and utility sectors.