MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rally on speculation of flat US rate track; Spark gains

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rally on speculation of flat US rate track; Spark gains
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Dec. 7 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose as markets across Asia rallied on speculation the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates on hold next year, which would maintain the yield attraction of stocks over bonds. Spark New Zealand was up in heavy trading.  The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 9.1 points, or 0.1 percent, to 8,767.32. Within the index, 21 stocks rose, 24 fell and five were unchanged. Turnover was $129.3 million, of which Spark contributed $28.1 million Stocks across Asia were modestly higher in after...