MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise as earnings continue; NZX gains on spec div

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise as earnings continue; NZX gains on spec div
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Aug. 15 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose as earnings season continued to deliver mixed results. NZX was among gainers on the day after delivering a special dividend while Heartland Bank fell on its increased bad debt provisioning.  The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 15.55 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,987.49. Within the index, 26 stocks gained, 19 fell, and five were unchanged. Turnover was $111.7 million.  Company reporting season continued with NZX declaring a special dividend from the sale of non-core assets. Chief...