MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain; Metlifecare rises on upbeat analyst view, Auckland Airport, Z Energy up

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares gain; Metlifecare rises on upbeat analyst view, Auckland Airport, Z Energy up
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot May 5 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose, outperforming equity markets across Asia, as a brokerage gave an upbeat assessment of retirement village operator Metlifecare. Auckland International Airport and Z Energy gained while Kathmandu Holdings fell. The S&P/NZX 50 Index gained 52 points, or 0.8 percent, to 6,876.49. Within the index, 31 stocks rose, ten fell and eight were unchanged. Turnover was $137.4 million.  Asian markets have fallen for seven consecutive sessions with mixed economic data across the region ke...