New Zealand shares inched higher but trading was mixed on concerns that US economic growth will take a hit from the longest-ever government shutdown and as investors pared back expectations of a New Zealand rate cut.

New Zealand shares eased as investors continued to fret about US-China trade tensions and the political impasse in the US.

New Zealand shares fell as investors fretted about a possible slowdown in global growth. Spark saw the heaviest volumes traded.

New Zealand shares rose as investors picked through mixed local and international economic signals to focus on firms likely to do better in a slowing environment.

New Zealand shares followed Asian markets higher on renewed hopes for a resolution to the US-China trade tensions. Trading was light with few local drivers.

New Zealand shares rose as sentiment continued to benefit from positive offshore leads. Genesis Energy, A2 Milk and Synlait Milk gained.

New Zealand shares rose, buoyed by steady gains in overseas market and a better than expected result from the latest dairy auction overnight.

New Zealand shares drifted in quiet trading after US stocks ended in the red. Spark slid while A2 Milk helped shore up the index.

New Zealand shares inched higher in quiet trading as investors await news from offshore. Kathmandu recovered some of its recent losses.

New Zealand shares fell as investors took a breather after a round of US-China trade talks wound up. Ryman Healthcare gave back some recent games and Summerset dipped.

New Zealand shares gained, supported by growing optimism that the US and China can reach a trade deal. A2 Milk benefited from the lift in sentiment.

New Zealand shares rose as investors continued to be cheered by positive markets offshore and expectations for progress in trade talks between the US and China. Pushpay continued to rise.

New Zealand shares rose as improving risk appetite in the wake of strong US jobs data and a note of caution from the US Federal Reserve sparked bargain-hunting in stocks like Kathmandu, Synlait Milk and A2 Milk.

New Zealand shares rose slightly as growing investor unease over the global economy bolstered demand for defensive stocks such as local utilities Meridian Energy and Mercury NZ.

New Zealand shares fell in the first trading of 2019, led lower by Kathmandu Holdings, which was punished for posting weaker-than-expected Christmas sales.

The New Zealand share market ended 2018 on a firm note, lifted from earlier doldrums by a positive start to trading across the Ditch and with the dual-listed shares in A2 Milk leading the market higher.