New Zealand equities 50 rose 14 points, or 0.1%, to 13,462 in Monday morning trade, rebounding from prior-session losses on strength in communications and consumer services. Sentiment improved after Prime Minister Chris Luxon confirmed November 7, 2026, as election day, as he seeks a second term. He also indicated his plans to “fix the basics,” noting inflation has fallen from 7% to 3% under his administration. In top trading partner China, regulators acted to curb volatility, targeting hundreds of abnormal trading practices. Meanwhile, U.S. futures were little changed ahead of this week’s Fed rate decision, while President Trump signaled he will soon name Jerome Powell’s successor as Fed chair. Gains remained capped by caution over upcoming local data, including December’s trade balance and January’s business and consumer confidence. Early movers included Contact Energy (1.6%), Scott Tech (1.4%), Spark NZ (1.3%), and Auckland International Airport (1.1%).