The NZX 50 dropped 62 points or 0.5% to close at 12,990 on Friday, marking losses for the second straight session and notching its lowest level since early September. Markets posted the third consecutive weekly decline, down by 1.5%, as New Zealand’s recovery showed signs of strain. GDP grew 0.2% qoq in Q4, missing the central bank’s 0.5% forecast and slowing sharply from 1.1% in Q3, underscoring the drag from high rates and cost pressures. Trade data added to concerns, with February imports surging 12% yoy while exports edged up 0.4%. Still, the downside was capped by reports that Wellington is exploring measures to ease household burdens from Middle East-driven cost increases. Meantime, U.S stock futures rose modestly after new comments from Israeli PM Netanyahu eased concerns over the U.S.-Iran war. Logistics, non-energy minerals, and healthcare drove losses, with notable decliners including Turners Automotive (-2.3%), Delegat Group (-2.2%), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (-1.9%).
