MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge higher; Australian, Auckland holidays sap volumes

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge higher; Australian, Auckland holidays sap volumes
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Jan. 28 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares edged higher in thin trading, with holidays in Auckland and Australia keeping a lid on activity. Fonterra Shareholders' Fund and Freightways gained. The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 3.97 points, or 0.04 percent, to 9,114.52. Within the index, 20 stocks gained, 15 fell, and 15 were unchanged. Turnover was quieter than usual at $25.8 million.  Auckland anniversary and the Australia Day holiday across the Tasman kept the market very quiet. Just 5.2 million shares traded on the bench...