New Zealand shares edged higher, led by Vista Group International, after a week of strong gains saw the benchmark index climb 1.3%.

Market darling turned troublemaker A2 Milk led the New Zealand share market lower as investors trimmed another $600 million from the dairy brand’s market capitalisation after its result.

The New Zealand dollar climbed more than half a cent overnight, after Reserve Bank assistant governor Christian Hawkesby told media a 50-basis point rise was being considered last week.

New Zealand shares were almost flat as investors reacted to upbeat earnings results from Heartland Group and Summerset Holding, while some larger stocks declined.

It was a big day for the New Zealand share market as Z Energy shares soared on a buyout offer, Mainfreight broke above $90, and Serko shares jumped more than 10%.

New Zealand’s benchmark equity index finished the day almost unchanged having risen 1.6% across the week driven by good earnings results and an extended period of low-interest rates.

Infrastructure firm Chorus led the market as it raced up more than 12% on news the Commerce Commission had valued its fibre network at almost $5.5 billion.

New Zealand shares rose this afternoon as investors welcomed an extra six weeks of low interest rates with the Reserve Bank leaving monetary policy settings on hold.

Investors sold the New Zealand dollar and bought government bonds as a community case of covid-19 cast doubt over whether the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will still hike rates.

Investors buying into rumours Nestle was exploring a takeover of A2 Milk Company prompted the stock to jump more than 10% today.

A report in the Australian media ramping up speculation about a takeover of the a2 Milk company by Swiss-based global food giant Nestle saw the dual-listed dairy company’s share price jump in NZX trading today.

New Zealand's headline share index finished the week with a small gain as investors continued to position themselves ahead of earnings results next week.

New Zealand shares generally declined as investors prepared themselves for earnings results and a monetary policy statement from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand next week.

New Zealand’s benchmark equity index was dragged lower by its biggest constituent, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, as it dropped back from a brief rally.

New Zealand shares climbed as investors positioned themselves in stocks exposed to the domestic economy ahead of earnings results set to be released next week.

New Zealand shares fell Monday, after making gains last week, as long-term bond yields in the United States climbed on strong employment data.