19.08.202505:52:31UTC+00New Zealand Stocks Snap 4-Day Gain

The S&P/NZX 50 index experienced a decline of 0.3%, closing at 12,929 on Tuesday, ending its four-day upward streak and pulling back from a nearly six-month peak. This downturn was primarily influenced by declines in the communication, non-energy minerals, and consumer durables sectors. Market participants were also adjusting their positions ahead of the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy announcement scheduled for Wednesday. Expectations are set for a 25 basis point reduction to 3%, marking a cumulative easing cycle of 250 basis points. Analysts indicate that monetary policy is approaching a neutral stance, with previous rate cuts still permeating the economy. However, ongoing weak growth and excess capacity could potentially warrant additional easing measures. Two-year swap rates remain at their lowest point since early 2022, rendering them susceptible to any unexpected hawkish developments. On the economic data front, producer output prices increased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, decelerating from a 2.1% rise in Q1 and falling short of the anticipated 1% increase. Among the communication, non-energy minerals, and consumer durables sectors, leading decliners were Spark NZ, down 2%, Chorus with a 1% decrease, Fletcher falling 1%, Santana declining by 1.5%, and KMD Brands plummeting 3.9%.