UPDATED NZX posts 22 percent rise in annual profit on strong activity in capital markets

UPDATED NZX posts 22 percent  rise in annual profit on strong activity in capital markets
(Adds CEO comment from sixth paragraph.) By Tina Morrison Feb. 21 (BusinessDesk) - NZX, New Zealand’s stock exchange operator, posted a 22 percent rise in annual profit as strong activity in capital markets offset a weaker performance from its Agri division. Profit increased to $12.1 million in calendar 2013, from $9.9 million in 2012, the Wellington-based company said in a statement. The result lagged First NZ Capital’s $14 million profit estimate as NZX took a $2.6 million charge in 2013 to write down the value of investments in Clear Gra...