MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares fall led by Fletcher on outlook; Meridian rises to record

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares fall led by Fletcher on outlook; Meridian rises to record
By Suze Metherell Feb. 18 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares fell led by Fletcher Building, after the company said full-year earnings would be at the lower end of guidance. Meridian Energy rose after posting a 26 percent increase in first-half profit.  The NZX 50 Index fell 8.852 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5741.359. Within the index, 18 stocks fell, 19 rose, and 13 were unchanged. Turnover was $199 million.  Fletcher fell 5 percent to $8.30. The construction and building products company posted a 26 percent drop in first-half profit t...