New Zealand shares fall

New Zealand share prices closed 0.53 percent lower on Thursday, although retail buying interest underpinned the market, dealers said. The benchmark NZX-50 index fell 14.07 points to 2,616.25 on turnover worth 70.3 million New Zealand dollars (40.4 million US).
There was some profit-taking after gains last week and the local market did not follow the lead of a firmer Wall Street, said Grant Williamson, director of Hamilton, Hindin, Greene. Auckland International Airport was heavily traded, losing two cents to 1.69 dollars. Fisher & Paykel Appliances rose eight cents to 51 cents and Nuplex added 15 cents to 1.03 dollars. Fletcher Building gained seven cents to close at 6.14 dollars.