MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares fall from record on election jitters; Meridian, Spark drop

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares fall from record on election jitters; Meridian, Spark drop
By Suze Metherell Sept. 9 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand stocks fell from a record as this month's general election created uncertainty for investors in light trading. Meridian Energy dropped from a record close, and Spark New Zealand fell from a more-than six-year high. The NZX 50 Index fell 18.046 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5243.699. Within the index, 26 stocks fell, 16 rose, and eight were unchanged. Turnover was a smaller than usual $71 million. The benchmark index has gained 11 percent since the start of the year, but over the past...