New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 rose 0.1% to close at 13,403 on Tuesday, as gains in financial stocks offset losses in non-energy minerals, with investors returning from an extended holiday weekend. Manuka Resources plunged over 15% after announcing the issue of 5 million ordinary shares following the conversion of unlisted options. Its peers Santana Minerals and Fletcher Building also fell 9.2% and 1.2%, respectively. Offsetting these declines were gains in index-heavy financials, with Westpac Banking advancing 2.7% and ANZ Group Holdings climbing 3%. Meanwhile, optimism grew over improving US–China trade relations as senior officials outlined a potential deal ahead of an expected meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Investors now await the RBNZ chief’s speech on Wednesday, which may include an updated outlook alongside remarks on central bank independence and business ties.