New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 rose 0.4% to close at 13,511 on Tuesday, with most sectors finishing higher, including utilities, financials, consumer non-durables, and communications. Sentiment was lifted by stronger data from China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, after industrial profits accelerated to a 0.6% gain from 0.1% in November. Among index heavyweights, Infratil climbed 2.7% and a2 Milk advanced 2.2%. Other notable gainers included Vector (+2.5%), Chorus (+1.4%), Freightways Group (+1.3%), Port of Tauranga (+1.1%), Channel Infrastructure (+1.1%), and Napier Port (+1.1%). Focus now shifts to New Zealand’s trade balance on Wednesday, with the market expecting a modest outcome, ahead of business and consumer confidence figures due on Thursday. Later today, US weekly employment data is due, and a deviation from expectations could quickly reshape risk appetite and rate expectations, prompting rapid repositioning in equities.
