New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 fell 1.2% to close at 13,417 on Wednesday, marking a third consecutive session of losses as broad risk-off sentiment intensified amid rising geopolitical and trade tensions. Global markets remained volatile after a recent rout, driven by investor concern over U.S. President Trump’s tariff threats involving Greenland and Europe. Most sectors declined, including healthcare, utilities, finance and consumer staples. Key decliners included EBOS Group (-0.4%), Fisher & Paykel (-0.7%), Fletcher Building (-2.6%), Contact Energy (-0.8%), Ryman Healthcare (-3.0%), Meridian Energy (-2.8%), Auckland International Airport (-2.4%), Spark NZ (-0.9%) and Infratil (-1.6%). Traders are awaiting Q4 inflation data later this week, followed by trade balance and business confidence figures next week.
