MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares mixed as Meridian, Z gain, A2, ANZ, Westpac drop

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares mixed as Meridian, Z gain, A2, ANZ, Westpac drop
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot March 29 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares were mixed, with the NZX 50 Index reaching a record high but with more companies falling. Meridian Energy rose ahead of going ex-dividend tomorrow while A2 Milk fell as its chief executive sold shares. Banks declined after Australia & New Zealand Banking Group lifted its bad debt provision last week. The S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 13.8 points, or 0.2 percent, to 6,676.33. Within the index, 20 stocks rose, 22 fell and eight were unchanged. Turnover was $122 million. Meridian Energy...