The NZX 50 slipped 26 points, or 0.2%, to 13,673 in Tuesday morning trade, erasing the modest gains recorded in the previous session. The decline was led by weakness in materials, healthcare, and consumer staples, though strength in financials, energy, and consumer discretionary stocks helped limit the downside.
Further losses were contained by easing oil prices and a notable improvement in business sentiment. The latest New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion showed a sharp rebound in business confidence in Q3, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The survey indicated easing inflation pressures, stable profit expectations, and stronger hiring and investment intentions.
Market participants also remained cautious ahead of the release of the FOMC minutes later this week. Among the early decliners were Delegat Group (-1.4%), A2 Milk (-1.0%), Fisher & Paykel (-0.8%), Contact Energy (-0.6%), and South Port NZ (-0.6%).
