UPDATE: NZX 1H earnings decline on fewer IPOs while costs grow

UPDATE: NZX 1H earnings decline on fewer IPOs while costs grow
(Recasts and updates with comment from CEO throughout, adds detail to Apteryx acquisition) By Suze Metherell Aug. 19 (BusinessDesk) - NZX, the stock market operator, reported a decline in first-half operating earnings as fewer companies listed, but expects more capital raising in the coming six months. The sale of Link Market Services boosted net profit. Profit rose to $18 million in the six months ended June 30, from $7 million a year earlier, reflecting an $11.8 million net gain from the sale of its 50 percent stake in the Link NZ sh...