MARKET CLOSE NZ shares drop; Fletcher, Ebos down on Australian exposure

MARKET CLOSE NZ shares drop; Fletcher, Ebos down on Australian exposure
Dec. 18 (BusinessDesk) – New Zealand shares fell as the kiwi dollar held near a five-year high against its Australian counterpart, weighing on companies with operations across the Tasman including Fletcher Building and Ebos Group. The NZX 50 Index fell 52.141 points, or 1.1 percent, to 4675.878. Within the index, 38 stocks fell, six gained and six were unchanged. Turnover was $115 million. The New Zealand dollar made a new five-year high, reaching about 93 Australian cents, and creating headwinds for businesses bringing home revenue from Aus...