MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain as investors take stock in earnings season; Skellerup hits new highs

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain as investors take stock in earnings season; Skellerup hits new highs
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Aug. 17 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose as investors took stock in a brief lull to the domestic corporate earnings season, with Skellerup Holdings extending yesterday's gain to break a new record.  The S&P/NZX 50 index advanced 53.86 points, or 0.6 percent to 9,052.77, the highest since July 10. Within the index, 32 stocks gained, eight fell, and 10 were unchanged. Turnover was $96.3 million.  Earnings season took a breather today ahead of heavy reporting days next Wednesday and Thursday. Local investors took th...