MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge up ahead of earnings season; Air NZ at 3-month low

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge up ahead of earnings season; Air NZ at 3-month low
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Feb. 1 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares edged higher in relatively quiet trading as investors wait for company earnings season to kick off later this month. Air New Zealand dropped to a three-month low, extending its decline after this week's profit warning.  The S&P/NZX 50 increased 13.83 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,999.17. Within the index, 26 stocks gained, 17 fell, and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $131.5 million.  New Zealand and Australian equity markets were subdued, despite a stronger lead from Wall Stre...