New Zealand shares rose 88 points, or 0.6%, to close at 13,825 on Thursday, fully reversing losses from the previous two sessions. The market followed a positive lead from Wall Street, where signs of moderating inflation eased expectations of a Fed rate hike at its upcoming meeting.
The benchmark index rebounded from its lowest level since August 3, hit just a day earlier, supported mainly by gains in financials, consumer staples, healthcare, and industrials. Softer oil prices further improved sentiment, as waning inflation concerns reduced the likelihood of additional monetary tightening by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ).
Confidence was also boosted by fresh survey data. The RBNZ’s quarterly survey of expectations showed that business managers see inflation slowing to 2.34% over the next two years by Q3 2026, the lowest reading since Q4 2025.
Among the standout performers were ANZ Group (+5.2%), Mainfreight (+3.1%), Westpac Banking Corp. (+2.9%), A2 Milk (+1.7%), Fisher & Paykel (+1.4%), Freightways Group (+1.1%), and Contact Energy (+1.1%).
