New Zealand share prices closed 0.55 percent higher Thursday after gains in China stocks provided support for some Asian markets, dealers said. The benchmark NZX-50 index rose 16.92 points to 3,091.57 on turnover worth 125 million dollars (84 million US). There were 48 rises and 32 falls among the 114 stocks traded. Market leader Telecom rose seven cents to 2.80 dollars, while Fletcher Building rose 11 cents to 7.69 amid news suggesting a pick-up in the property market.
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare rose eight cents to 3.46 dollars, and Freightways added two cents to 2.93 after saying Wednesday it had won Australia Post as a client. Resins maker Nuplex rose three cents to 2.33 dollars and New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay added two cents to 48 cents. Discount retailer The Warehouse rose one cent to 3.93 dollars and Hallenstein Glasson rose 10 cents to 2.80 while Michael Hill rose two cents to 71 cents. Air New Zealand dropped a cent to 1.24 dollars and casino operator Sky City fell three cents to 3.28.