MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares eke out gain as yield plays remain attractive

MARKET CLOSE: NZ shares eke out gain as yield plays remain attractive
Paul McBeth
New Zealand shares were dragged higher as blue-chip companies offering reliable dividends, such as Meridian Energy and Spark New Zealand, gained amid light trading in an uneasy market. The S&P/NZX 50 Index increased 2.54 points, or 0.02 percent, to 11,629.86. Within the index, 20 stocks rose, 24 fell, and six were unchanged. Turnover was $83.7 million, of which Metlifecare accounted for $21.3 million. Investors are still grappling with the impact of Iran-US tensions following the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last...

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