FX.co ★ New Zealand Stocks Fall Slightly

The NZX 50 index experienced a decrease of 27 points, or 0.2%, to settle at 12,307 during Thursday's morning session, effectively halting a five-day winning streak. This downturn was in line with Wall Street's negative performance on Wednesday, amid renewed concerns over the potential economic and inflationary impacts of global trade disputes on the US. President Trump's escalation of tensions came with the signing of a 25% tariff on auto imports, with further tariffs anticipated next week. Investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the release of the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data on Friday and the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) figures expected from China, a key trading partner, in the coming week. The decrease in the index was influenced by profit-taking in sectors such as consumer, commercial services, and healthcare, following significant one-day gains in New Zealand stocks not seen since November. However, the prospect of three expected rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNNZ) this year, possibly in April, May, and later in 2025, helped limit further declines, with inflation being well-managed. Notable stocks that saw declines included Serko Ltd. (-1.8%), A2 Milk Co. (-1.5%), Ebos Group (-1.3%), Restaurant Brands NZ (-1.1%), and Colonial Motor Co. (-0.7%).