New Zealand shares were little changed on Tuesday morning session, hovering near 13,500 after a modest dip in the previous session. Gains in consumer durables and healthcare helped offset declines in utilities and consumer non-durables. Investors are eyeing the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate decision later this week, with expectations of a further cut, though the magnitude remains in focus amid soft economic momentum and an upcoming leadership transition in December. Local data showed a slight drop in Q3 business mood, while capacity utilization almost stagnated. In the U.S., stock futures edged lower after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs Monday, as traders shrugged off concerns over the prolonged government shutdown. Among early movers, Ryman Healthcare rose 1.9%, followed by Turner Automotive (1.6%), Vector Ltd. (1.4%), and Scott Tech. (1.3%). On the downside, T&G Global Ltd. (-2.4%), Hallenstein Glasson (-1.9%), and Meridian Energy (-1.2%) posted marked losses.