New Zealand’s NZX 50 jumped 145 points, or 1.1%, on Thursday to finish at a five-week high of 13,671, rebounding from a subdued prior session. Sentiment was lifted by a strong Wall Street lead overnight, as U.S. tech shares rallied and earlier concerns around AI eased.
Investors also looked ahead to key policy meetings scheduled next month in China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner. Optimism grew that a potential reset of U.S. tariffs could support Beijing, with President Trump expected to meet Xi Jinping in early April.
Gains were partly restrained by domestic data showing business sentiment fell to a four-month low in February, although confidence levels remained relatively upbeat. Caution also persisted ahead of China’s PMI releases due next week.
Nearly all sectors advanced, led by Gentrack Group (up 7.6%), Ryman Healthcare (5.1%), Summerset Group Holdings (4.2%), and Seeka Ltd. (4.2%). Investors now turn their attention to New Zealand’s February consumer confidence figures and January building permits, both scheduled for release on Friday.
