MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge higher in thin Christmas Eve trading

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge higher in thin Christmas Eve trading
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Dec. 24 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares gained in shortened Christmas Eve trading, shaking off the negative lead set by Wall Street's decline on Friday night, with defensive stocks such as property investment firms and power companies among the gainers.  The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 28.32 points, or 0.3 percent, to 8,714.51. Within the index, 28 stocks gained, 15 fell, and seven were unchanged. Turnover was very light at $49.1 million.  New Zealand's market held up well in the abbreviated trading session after Wall...