The NZX 50 climbed 133 points, or 1.0%, to finish at 13,316 on Wednesday, extending gains from the prior session amid stronger U.S. futures ahead of the Fed’s rate decision later today, along with its first 2026 economic projections. In China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, the PBoC will hold a monthly review of its key lending rates on Friday, after keeping them at record lows for nine consecutive months in February to support growth. Domestically, Q4 GDP data is due in the coming days, with local media suggesting New Zealand’s economy is turning a corner, helped by the primary sector and tourism. However, the escalating Middle East conflict has altered the outlook, with rising prices and supply chain disruptions weighing on sentiment. Consumer durables, industrial services, and utilities led gains, while logistics, healthcare, and tech services lagged. Standout performers included Tourism Holdings (6.6%), Scales Corp (4.7%), Hallenstein Glasson (3.0%), and Genesis Energy (2.8%).
