MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares up, Spark and Westpac gain while Z Energy falls on petrol study

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares up, Spark and Westpac gain while Z Energy falls on petrol study
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot July 4 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose, led by Spark New Zealand and Westpac Banking Corp as blue-chip stocks joined in a rally across the Tasman, while Z Energy declined amidst uncertainty about increased regulation in the petrol sector. The S&P/NZX 50 Index gained 0.4 percent, or 32.21 points, to 7,620.64. Within the index, 24 stocks rose, 19 fell and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $127.4 million. New Zealand's blue-chip and dual-listed stocks got a boost from a strong performance in Australia with the S&P...