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.

New Zealand shares rose in the last full day of trading for 2018 on subdued volumes with many investors out for the Christmas and New Year holiday. Summerset Group led the market higher.

New Zealand shares rose as investors sought out blue-chip stocks, such as Spark New Zealand and SkyCity Entertainment Group, before heading into the holiday period.

New Zealand shares gained on expectations the US Federal Reserve may soften its interest rate outlook for the coming year. Sky Network Television extended its rebound.

New Zealand shares fell, joining a sell-off across Asia, as investors fret over the future track of US interest rates ahead of this week's Federal Reserve policy review. Heartland Group sank on concerns over stricter banking capital requirements.

New Zealand shares rallied late in the trading session to follow Asian markets higher, led by export-focused firms including Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and A2 Milk.

New Zealand shares fell as uncertainty over the global economy and US-China trade tensions pushed Asian markets lower. Exporters Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, A2 Milk and Comvita all declined.

New Zealand shares rose for a third day as investors around Asia remained optimistic that trade tensions between China and the US will ease, removing a risk to global growth.

New Zealand shares joined an Asia-wide rally on signs that China-US trade relations may be thawing, while Trade Me hit a record on news the board will back a private equity takeover.

New Zealand shares rose, led by Contact Energy and Meridian Energy as heightened uncertainty in global markets bolsters the attraction of defensive stocks offering stable dividends.

New Zealand shares fell to a five-week low as rising concerns about global growth due to heightened US-China trade tensions extended into Asian markets. Export-focused A2 Milk dropped.

New Zealand shares rose as markets across Asia rallied on speculation the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates on hold next year, which would maintain the yield attraction of stocks over bonds. Spark New Zealand was up in heavy trading.

New Zealand shares fell, joining a sell-off across Asia, as the arrest of a Huawei executive reignited fears about US-China trade tensions. Chinese-focused exporter A2 Milk declined.