The NZX 50 advanced 120 points, or 0.9%, to finish at a record high of 13,786 on Thursday, rebounding from losses in the previous session. The rise was led largely by financials, industrials, healthcare, and communication services.
Sentiment improved after fresh data showed New Zealand’s manufacturing sector posting its strongest expansion since July 2021, despite pressure from elevated fuel costs. At the same time, investors continued to digest Wednesday’s decision by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.5% and to signal further tightening ahead in an effort to return inflation to target.
Traders also parsed minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting, which revealed divisions among US policymakers over the future path of interest rates. Gains on the NZX 50 were further tempered by rising oil prices, which reinforced inflation concerns and expectations of additional rate hikes globally.
Among individual movers, Infratil climbed 3.1%, Ebos Group added 1.8%, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare rose 1.2%, and Gentrack Group advanced 1.1%. The market will be closed on Friday for a local public holiday.
