MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge up as yield stocks in favour; Restaurant Brands up on sales growth

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge up as yield stocks in favour; Restaurant Brands up on sales growth
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth March 7 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares edged higher with gains by utility and real estate yield stocks offsetting a clutch of companies shedding rights to dividends. Restaurant Brands New Zealand gained on its continuing sales growth. The S&P/NZX 50 Index increased 22.36 points, or 0.2 percent, to 9,437.36. Within the index, 26 stocks gained, 21 fell and three were unchanged. Turnover was $128.1 million.  The defensive qualities of New Zealand's market remained the flavour of local trading with power companies, airp...