New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 fell 0.8% to close at 13,448 on Friday, ending the week sharply lower as hot inflation data bolstered hawkish bets on Reserve Bank of New Zealand policy. Most sectors traded in the red, including healthcare, industrials, utilities, and financials. Key laggards included Infratil (-2.8%), A2 Milk (-2.7%), Spark NZ (-1.5%), Mercury NZ (-1.3%), Auckland International Airport (-0.8%), Meridian Energy (-0.6%), and Contact Energy (-0.5%). Investors now look ahead to the latest trade balance, consumer and business confidence data next week for further guidance. Global markets also remained cautious amid concerns over potential foreign outflows from US assets, a weaker dollar and higher oil prices.
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