MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise, led by GPG, Xero; Kathmandu extends slide

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise, led by GPG, Xero; Kathmandu extends slide
By Suze Metherell Dec. 23 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares extended recent gains led by Guinness Peat Group and Xero as investors bought into companies that have been sold off this year seeking opportunities in a low interest rate environment. Kathmandu Holdings extended its decline. The NZX 50 Index gained 10.358 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5552.097. Within the index, 21 stocks rose, 17 fell and 12 were unchanged. Turnover was a smaller than usual $84.6 million. International markets were spurred higher last week after US Federal Re...