The S&P/NZX 50 index ended flat at 13,446 on Monday as investors remained cautious ahead of a busy economic data week. Locally, markets are awaiting January business PMI, December visitor arrivals, and Q1 business inflation expectations. China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, is also set to release January inflation and producer price data, while the United States will publish its January unemployment rate and inflation figures. These releases are due later this week and are expected to provide signals on earnings prospects, interest rate expectations, and global risk sentiment. Among large-cap stocks, Infratil (+1.9%), Auckland Intl Airport (+1.4%), and Meridian Energy (+0.7%) posted gains, offsetting declines in Spark NZ (-2.2%), and Fisher & Paykel (-1.6%). Meanwhile, New Zealand is planning to build an LNG import facility in Taranaki by 2027–2028 to secure backup gas, ensure stable electricity, lower energy costs, and support energy and utility stocks.
