NZ stocks mixed; Z Energy extends decline

The S&P/NZX 50 index was down 8.23 points, or 0.1 percent, to 8,835.60. Within the index, 22 stocks gained, 21 fell and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $117.5 million.

Asian markets were generally up in early trading, after reports from the US and China indicated President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping may talk trade during the G-20 meeting in Argentina late November. The S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.3 percent, aided by weaker than expected September retail spending.

Locally the ANZ Roy Morgan survey showed consumer confidence index slid further in October. While there was a slight improvement in people's optimism about their own situation, the future conditions index fell to its lowest since late 2015.

Hamilton Hindin Greene investment advisor Grant Davies said the US news had provided a good overnight lead and the consumer confidence result should not have been a surprise.