MARKET CLOSE: NZ stocks gain on China data, dividend plays

MARKET CLOSE: NZ stocks gain on China data, dividend plays
Paul McBeth
By Gavin Evans March 1 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares rose, buoyed by firmer Asian markets, as investors sought out stocks with strong dividends due. The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 26.65 points, or 0.3 percent, to 9,351.68. Within the index, 23 stocks rose, 22 fell, and five were unchanged. Turnover was $198.04 million. Asian markets rallied after a February manufacturing index in China – the world’s second-biggest economy and New Zealand’s largest trading partner – was stronger than expected. The Caixin/Market Manufacturing Pu...