New Zealand share prices closed 0.22 percent higher Friday, led by gains in Fletcher Building, dealers said. The benchmark NZX-50 index rose 6.75 points to 3,098.32 on turnover worth 97 million dollars (66 million US). There were 51 rises and 27 falls among the 108 stocks traded. A number of major companies will go ex-dividend from Monday.
Market leader Telecom eased one cent to 2.79 dollars and Contact Energy fell three cents to 6.15. Fisher and Paykel Appliances rose one cent to 75 cents and sister company Fisher & Paykel Healthcare fell one cent to 3.45. Discount retailer.