The New Zealand sharemarket was still in holiday mode on Monday, starting the new week on lighter than normal trading and a fall of more than half a percent, as many offices began reopening.

Defensive yield stocks have provided the best return for investors in the New Zealand stock market over the past year, according to research from Forsyth Barr.

New Zealand shares lifted 0.9% over the course of the week after a quiet Friday that mirrored offshore moves.

Retirement village operator Summerset Group, gaining nearly 3%, led the way as the New Zealand sharemarket made a late turnaround.

The New Zealand sharemarket gave back more than half of the previous day’s gains as investors once again worried about the future path of interest rates and the slowing economy.

New Zealand shares joined a global rally, with record fourth-quarter sales at Summerset Group buoying fellow retirement village stocks.

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.