New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index inched up 0.1% to close at 13,407 on Friday, ending a volatile session, as gains in financial shares offset losses in health and producer manufacturing stocks. Financial heavyweights rose 1.7%, with notable increases in Westpac Banking (+1.6%) and ANZ Group (+1.9%). These gains helped offset sharp declines in health stocks, led by TruScreen, which fell more than 11%, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (-1.5%). In producer manufacturing, Scott Technology also dropped 3.3%. On the data front, the business PMI climbed to a four-month high in November, supported by stronger new orders, output, and employment, pointing to improving domestic demand. Traders now look ahead to a busy week of economic releases, including Q3 GDP figures, with hopes of a stronger reading following the RBNZ’s recent rate cut. For the week, the benchmark index fell 0.6%.