24.12.202503:59:00UTC+00NZX50 Ends Marginally Higher

The S&P/NZX 50 index experienced a slight uptick of 0.1% on Wednesday, closing at 13,529. This movement represented a continuation of a largely unchanged performance from the previous session, as the market lacked significant catalysts and operated under reduced trading hours ahead of Christmas Eve. Trading volumes were notably light with the approach of the holiday season, given that the New Zealand markets would be closed on December 25th and 26th. The day's gains were driven primarily by industrial services and retail stocks, with notable performers including Ventia Services rising by 1.7%, Briscoe Group increasing by 2%, and Warehouse Group climbing by 1.4%. The energy and non-energy mineral sectors also saw advancements, with Fletcher Building up 0.8%, Santana Minerals gaining 2%, Manuka Resources increasing by 2.3%, and Channel Infrastructure climbing 1.7%. However, these positive movements were almost negated by losses in major financial stocks, such as Westpac Banking, which fell by 2.1%, and ANZ Group, decreasing by 1.5%. These declines came amidst anticipation of a potential Reserve Bank of New Zealand interest rate hike anticipated for 2026.