New Zealand shares fell in subdued holiday trading, putting the NZX 50 Index on route to a `17 percent annual gain. Xero, the best performer on the index, Fletcher Building and Telecom all declined, offsetting gains among mid-caps such as Hallenstein Glasson Holdings. The NZX 50 fell 0.575 points, or 0.01 percent, to 4767.360. Within the index, 13 stocks fell, …

The New Zealand dollar weakened as the greenback is supported by an improving outlook for the US economy. The kiwi slipped to 81.52 US cents at 8am from 81.62 cents at 5pm yesterday. The yield on US 10-year Treasuries is edging higher, to reach around 3 percent, near the two-year peak of 3.007 percent hit in September. US bond yields …

New Zealand stocks rose on Christmas Eve, pushing the NZX 50 Index to a three-week high, as the outlook for the construction industry helped lift Fletcher Building and Warehouse Group led some retailers higher in the peak spending season. The NZX 50 rose 45.30 points, or about 1 percent, to 4767.935 in the shortened pre-Christmas session. Within the index, 35 …