New Zealand shares fell for a second day in quiet trading as the few investors returning this week pondered how quickly central banks will cut interest rates.

The New Zealand sharemarket ended its first abbreviated week of trading on a down note as the summer holidays kept trading thin.

The New Zealand sharemarket staged an admirable comeback to end the day in positive territory after being down almost 1 per cent at one stage.

The New Zealand sharemarket started the year on the back foot, taking its lead from offshore where Wall Street stocks suffered a technology-led hangover after a buoyant end to 2023.

The New Zealand sharemarket finished “a roller coaster” year with a 2.6% gain after seeing in the New Year on a flat note.

The New Zealand sharemarket is almost certain to finish the year in positive territory after gaining more than half a percent as investors searched out beaten-up stocks.

The New Zealand sharemarket closed for Christmas on a flat note with Synlait Milk and Move Logistics providing gloomy trading updates.

The New Zealand sharemarket continued its Santa rally and is on track for its eighth successive week of gains.

The New Zealand sharemarket had a late fall, unable to be inspired by the half-year economic update and mini-budget that lacked Christmas cheer.

The New Zealand sharemarket had a late spurt of nearly half a percent, and investors are holding their breath over whether the index will hold onto its hard-earned gain for the year.

The New Zealand sharemarket made a small gain but lacked real direction, while leading energy stock Mercury reached a four-month high.

The New Zealand sharemarket took a pause from its six-week rally, weighed down by some profit-taking. However, the market was still heartened by the continuing fall in wholesale interest rates.

The New Zealand sharemarket reached its highest level in 14 weeks on a buoyant day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting an all-time peak and wholesale interest rates falling significantly.

The New Zealand sharemarket staged a strong rebound after Auckland International Airport took off following a favourable review from the Commerce Commission.

The New Zealand sharemarket shed more than half a percent as it waited for the latest United States inflation rate and the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.

The New Zealand sharemarket slipped nearly half a percent in a day of volatility and intrigue, with two takeover moves and a significant shareholding sell-down in the offing.