Omicron ordeal knocks NZ index 200 points

Omicron ordeal knocks NZ index 200 points
Some investors are concerned the new variant could see extend pandemic restrictions extended. (Photo: Getty)
Dan Brunskill
New Zealand shares recovered from a shock open after falling almost 200 points in the first half-hour of trading as investors reacted to the omicron covid variant.The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed down 97 points, or 0.8 percent, at 12,531.66. Turnover was $187 million.Financial market watchers were already braced for a rough start to the session after the S&P 500 in the United States dropped 2.3% on Friday night.NZ’s index dropped 1.3% on Friday as news of the covid variant, identified in South Africa, was first breaking.Jarden’s...