MARKET CLOSE: NZX50 gains 1.8% this week, buoyed by rate outlook

MARKET CLOSE: NZX50 gains 1.8% this week, buoyed by rate outlook
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth April 18 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand shares drifted off their high heading into the Easter holiday, but still managed a 1.8 percent gain this week as weak inflation spurred on expectations for an interest rate cut, making companies paying reliable dividends a bit more attractive.  The S&P/NZX 50 Index hit a record 9,982.24 on Wednesday as tepid inflation data prompted traders to price in a greater chance of a rate cut, but gave up some of those gains on the following day when several companies downgraded their earnings out...