Here are the key changes to know about in the New Zealand equity market; NZX50 flat as Vulcan Steel, Auckland Airport, AirNZ and Sanford gain; Precinct Properties, Infratil, The NZX and Oceania fall

Here are the key things you need to know about in the NZX markets over the past 24 hours. Changes are as at 3:00 pm and may change when the market closes at 4:45 pm.

WHAT THE NZX 50 INDEX IS DOING
The NZX50 is broadly flat for the last day of the trading week following a +0.7% gain over the past five trading days. Despite the recent short-term improvement, the index remains under pressure over the past month, falling -1.2%. The index is still +6.9% higher over the past six months and +5.1% higher over the past year. There were 33 stocks gaining compared with 46 decliners.

THE MAIN GAINERS
Vulcan Steel (VSL, #32) is the strongest gainer, rising +4% and extending its recent momentum. The stock is now +10% higher over five trading days and +11% over the past month, while it is +3% higher over six months. Despite the recent gains, Vulcan Steel remains down -15% over the past year. Auckland International Airport (AIA, #3) gains +3%, taking its five-day increase to +3% and six-month performance to +7%, although the stock remains -11% lower year-on-year. Air New Zealand (AIR, #26) also rises +3%, bringing its five-day gain to +1%, while its longer-term performance remains weaker, with the stock down -1% over one month, -8% over six months and -33% over the past year. Sanford (SAN, #43) increases +2%, extending its five-day gain to +8%, although it remains -4% lower over the past month and -6% over six months. The stock is nevertheless +18% higher than a year ago.

THE MAIN DECLINERS
Precinct Properties (PCT, #20) is among the weakest performers, falling -2% and extending its declines to -5% over five trading days and -9% over both the past month and six months. The stock is down -26% over the past year. Infratil (IFT, #4) also declines -2%, although its recent performance remains comparatively stronger, with the stock +2% over five days, +28% over six months and +13% over the past year. The NZX (NZX, #45) falls -2%, taking its five-day performance to -1% and one-month decline to -2%, while remaining +12% higher over six months and +8% year-on-year. Oceania Healthcare (OCA, #44) rounds out the decliners with a -2% fall. Its one-month performance stands at -6%, although the stock remains +10% higher than a year ago.

SMARTSHARES EFTs

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Serko (SKO, #49) has announced that Chief Financial Officer Shane Sampson will step down after more than five years with the company, departing in March 2027. Sampson will remain in the CFO role for a six-month extended notice period to support an orderly transition and the delivery of Serko’s FY27 financial reporting, while a search for his successor has commenced. 

Heartland Group Holdings (HGH, #28) has acknowledged a Section 95 Notice issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to TSB Bank on 18 September, requiring TSB to commission an independent review of its compliance with prudential requirements covering liquidity, capital adequacy and regulatory reporting. Deloitte New Zealand will conduct the review, with a final report expected in November. Heartland and Toi Foundation continue to engage with the RBNZ over Heartland’s proposed acquisition of all TSB shares and subsequent merger of Heartland Bank and TSB, with Heartland saying any relevant findings will be considered for their potential implications on the transaction.