New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.2% to close at 13,489 on Monday, ending a five-day winning streak, as most sectors traded in the red. Traders took a cautious stance ahead of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s policy decision later this week. Markets widely anticipate another rate cut, but attention is on its size amid weak economic growth and political pressures, ahead of the new governor’s appointment in December. The benchmark index also reflected global weakness, driven by concerns over a potential US government shutdown after White House adviser Kevin Hassett warned that layoffs could occur if funding negotiations stall. Among individual stocks, the top laggards included Freightways Group (-2.6%), Serko (-2.6%), Delegat Group (-2.1%), Colonial Motor (-1.9%), Hallenstein Glasson Holdings (-1.8%), and Skellerup Holdings (-1.7%).