09.08.202623:00:23UTC+00NZX 50 Edges Higher to Start the Week

New Zealand’s stock market advanced 34 points, or 0.2%, to 13,858 in Monday morning trading, snapping a two-session losing streak. The move followed gains on Wall Street on Friday, after softer-than-expected US labor data tempered expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike at its September meeting.

Sentiment was also supported by positive trade figures from China—New Zealand’s largest trading partner—with exports remaining robust and domestic inflation easing to a six-month low, helping to limit recent losses. Still, investors remained cautious ahead of this week’s US inflation release, seeking further guidance on the Fed’s policy stance at the upcoming meeting, while also keeping a close watch on developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sector-wise, materials, utilities, consumer discretionary, and real estate stocks led the gains. Contact Energy climbed 1.1% after reporting a 27.8% surge in net profit, following its acquisition of Manawa Energy, completed in July 2025. Other early risers included South Port NZ (up 0.8%), Ebos Group (0.7%), and Port of Tauranga (0.7%).