MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge lower; power companies under pressure

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares edge lower; power companies under pressure
Paul McBeth
New Zealand shares edged lower as electricity companies remained under pressure as the future of the Tiwai Point smelter remains uncertain and after a weak operating update from Contact Energy.  The S&P/NZX 50 Index decreased 4.55 points, or 0.04 percent, to 10,894.70. Within the index, 21 stocks fell, 23 rose, and six were unchanged. Turnover was $131.4 million.  Blue-chip stocks and companies held for the reliable dividends were among those to decline, despite a recent slide in bond yields that would typically make equity markets more a...

More Markets

BHP CEO flies to South Africa to push $65.4 billion takeover
Markets

BHP CEO flies to South Africa to push $65.4 billion takeover

The executives have already begun conversations with key stakeholders.

Rakon shareholder wants light shed on $400m bid
Markets

Rakon shareholder wants light shed on $400m bid

US giant Skyworks could be Rakon's new owner. One shareholder wants it to confirm.

BNZ ekes out gains in market share as 1H deposits and loans lift
Economy

BNZ ekes out gains in market share as 1H deposits and loans lift

The cost-to-income ratio was 36.2% versus 32.5% in the same period a year earlier.