MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise; Spark, Freightways gain

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares rise; Spark, Freightways gain
By Suze Metherell Aug. 17 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand share rose, snapping seven consecutive days of declines, on optimism the earnings season is relatively strong. Spark New Zealand lead gainers and Freightways advanced after reporting stronger profit.  The S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 31.35 points, or 0.6 percent, to 5727.8. Within the index, 24 stocks rose, 20 fell and six were unchanged. Turnover was $116 million.  The benchmark rose for the first time since Wednesday August 5, as investors returned to the market as financial reporting s...