MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise, led by Kathmandu on sales growth; A2, Genesis fall

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise, led by Kathmandu on sales growth; A2, Genesis fall
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot Feb. 1 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose, led by Kathmandu Holdings after the retailer reported stronger first-half sales on improved margins. Australia & New Zealand Banking Group advanced, while A2 Milk Co and Genesis Energy dropped. The S&P/NZX 50 Index increased 4.28 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6174.5. Within the index, 27 stocks rose, 13 fell and 10 were unchanged. Turnover was $99 million, as the Auckland Anniversary holiday meant trading was lighter than usual.  Kathmandu led the index, jumping up 7.2 percen...