MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares slip on rising costs, dwindling business confidence

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares slip on rising costs, dwindling business confidence
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Oct. 2 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares slipped as the weakest business confidence in nine years and fears over future profitability weighed on stocks linked to the local economic cycle.  The S&P/NZX 50 edged down 0.68 of a point, or 0.01 percent, to 9,326.59. Within the index, 21 stocks fell, 18 gained and 11 were unchanged. Turnover was $137.9 million.  The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's quarterly survey of business opinion showed the worst economic confidence since March 2009, with firms experiencing...