MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares plunge as country prepares for shutdown

Dan Brunskill
Mon, 23 Mar 2020

The share market plunged more than 7 percent today as the Prime Minister confirmed evidence of community transmission of covid-19 and announced the country had 48 hours to prepare for strict isolation. The S&P/NZX50 fell 697.72 points, or 7.6 percent, to 8,98.70. Within the index, 49 stocks fell, and one rose. Turnover was $267.2 million. The government today ratcheted up its response to the mounting virus outbreak by imposing a national lockdown from 11.59pm Wednesday. All bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, civic amenities and all non...

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