MARKET CLOSE: Stimulus hopes push kiwi up, but shares fall

Wed, 21 Oct 2020

Renewed optimism for fiscal stimulus in the United States being passed before the presidential election drove a rally in the kiwi dollar along with most other risk assets.The New Zealand share market did not benefit from the boost, partly due to the stronger kiwi dollar weighing down some exporters and electricity companies slipping.The kiwi dollar was trading at 66.08 US cents up from a low of 65.53 overnight and from 65.83 yesterday, as traders swapped the safe-haven US currency for higher risk assets.The trade-weighted index was at 70.86 at...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket edges higher as F&P Healthcare weighs on gains

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed 14.49 points or 0.11% down at 13,391.59.

Jamie Gray 24 Oct 2025

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Friday, Oct 24

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 24 Oct 2025

Finance

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth

Kiwibank raises issues of competitive advantage.

Andy Macdonald 24 Oct 2025

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth

Sponsored

NZ risks losing edge as Australia takes lead in cleaner jet fuel

Experts warn SAF delay could cost jobs and growth.

Z Energy

Sponsored

Focus on safety of SME vehicle fleets

Vehicle glass repairer’s work enhances road safety.

Smith & Smith

More Markets

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket edges higher as F&P Healthcare weighs on gains

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed 14.49 points or 0.11% down at 13,391.59.

Jamie Gray 24 Oct 2025

Markets

Contact Energy expands global investor base

Contact Energy priced an inaugural €500 million (NZ$1.01b) 7-year senior bond under its Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme, it said Friday.“This marks a milestone in Contact’s funding strategy, expanding our global investor base and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable f...

Rebecca Howard 24 Oct 2025