MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain, led by Diligent, Fletcher; Goodman Fielder falls

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain, led by Diligent, Fletcher; Goodman Fielder falls
By Jonathan Underhill July 2 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose, joining a rally across the Asia-Pacific region after manufacturing data stoked optimism about global growth. Diligent Board Member Services and Xero led gains among tech stocks. Goodman Fielder fell after its board agreed to a reduced takeover offer. The NZX 50 Index rose 3.123 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5149.385. Within the index, 19 shares rose, 24 fell and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $117 million. Gains in the local market lagged behind the region's rally,...