NZ stocks ride wave of 2026 optimism

The market benefited from a feeling 2026 could be better. (Image: NZME)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025

The New Zealand sharemarket edged toward record territory, helped by growing expectations that the economy is turning and 2026 could bring better times.After a late dip, the S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 7.98 points, or 0.06%, to 13,556.30 – just shy of the 13,558.19 peak reached on January 8, 2021. That record stood for nearly five years until October 9, 2025, when the index closed at a new all-time high of 13,570.86.The benchmark has gained more than 3.3% so far this year.There were 78 gainers and 67 decliners on the main board with 39.51 m...

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.

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

The contest for gentailers isn’t electrons – it’s politics

Big spend, high stakes: gentailers outline plans that depend on political tolerance.

Ian Llewellyn 5:00am

Opinion Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public

The national airline’s new CEO faces plenty of challenges, some self-inflicted.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Finance

RBNZ staff thin on ground after asbestos reopen

The finance minister understands the new flexible working policy for the RBNZ is near.

Andy Macdonald 5:00am

RBNZ staff thin on ground after asbestos reopen

Sponsored

Spark Accelerate: Are you ready for exponential AI growth?

Spark

Sponsored

Cybersecurity skills gap leaving Kiwi businesses at risk - report

A cybersecurity skills shortage is creating additional cyber risks, according to a new global report.

Fortinet

More Markets

Markets

The contest for gentailers isn’t electrons – it’s politics

Big spend, high stakes: gentailers outline plans that depend on political tolerance.

Ian Llewellyn 5:00am

Opinion Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public

The national airline’s new CEO faces plenty of challenges, some self-inflicted.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Markets

Briscoes distribution employees on Black Friday strike

Employees at the Briscoes Group Distribution Centre in Manukau will be going on strike at 8am on Friday, making it indeed a Black Friday for some.George Schwenke, Workers First Union organiser, said in a press release that the employees will hold a public picket at 2 Hautu Drive...

Staff reporters 5:00am

Finance

RBNZ staff thin on ground after asbestos reopen

The finance minister understands the new flexible working policy for the RBNZ is near.

Andy Macdonald 5:00am

NZ stocks ride wave of 2026 optimism

More Markets

Your company has a subscription

Team