Here are the key changes to know about in the New Zealand equity market; NZX 50 falls -1.0% to end the trading week lower as Napier Port, Channel Infrastructure, Tower and Stride gain while EBOS, Port of Tauranga, Summerset and Fletcher decline

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 NZX 50 falls -1.0% on Friday, closing out the trading week on a softer note and leaving the benchmark -1.0% lower over the past five trading days and -1.8% over the past month. Despite the late-week weakness, the index remains +6.0% higher over six months but only +1.7% over the past year. Market balance sits in the negative today, with just 22 gainers against 59 decliners.

THE MAIN GAINERS
Napier Port Holdings (NPH, #36) is the strongest gainer, rising +3% despite remaining -2% lower over the past five trading days. The stock is showing positive momentum over longer periods, gaining +4% over one month, +7% over six months and +16% year-on-year. Channel Infrastructure (CHI, #23) adds +1%, taking its one-month gain to +2% and extending its six-month performance to +16%, while the stock is +30% higher than a year ago. Tower (TWR, #39) also rises +1%, bringing its one-month gain to +4%, with the stock now +4% higher over six months and +13% year-on-year. Stride Property Group (SPG, #43) rounds out the leading gainers with a +0.5% rise, although it remains -1% lower over the past month and -25% year-on-year. 

THE MAIN DECLINERS
Among the decliners, EBOS Group (EBO, #11) falls -3%, extending its five-day decline to -5% and one-month decline to -11%. The stock is down -19% over six months and -38% year-on-year, making it one of the weaker large-cap performers over the longer term. Port of Tauranga (POT, #9) also declines -3%, taking its five-day performance to -2%, although it remains +3% higher over six months and +6% year-on-year. Summerset Group (SUM, #19) falls -3%, extending its five-day decline to -6% and one-month decline to -15%, while the stock is down -19% over six months and -33% over the past year. Fletcher Building (FBU, #12) rounds out the leading decliners with a -2% fall, leaving it -12% lower over one month and +20% higher over six months, while its one-year performance remains marginally positive at +1%. 

SMARTSHARES EFTs

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Heartland Group Holdings (HGH, #28) says the Establishment Panel has endorsed Leanne Lazarus as CEO designate of the proposed TSB Heartland Bank. The appointment remains subject to completion of Heartland’s proposed acquisition of TSB and non-objection from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Both Heartland Bank and TSB will continue operating under their existing leadership until the transaction is completed. Integration planning is progressing, with the Establishment Panel expected to endorse the broader leadership team in due course. Current TSB CEO Kerry Boielle will continue to support the transition, with Heartland acknowledging her contribution to TSB and its customers.

Port of Tauranga (POT, #9) says its consent for the Stella Passage development, issued on the 7th of September under the Fast-track Approvals Act, has been appealed by tangata whenua parties. The company has received notice of an appeal and a judicial review application, with Chief Executive Leonard Sampson describing the developments as disappointing but not unexpected. Port of Tauranga says the urgency of the project remains unchanged and it will seek the earliest possible court hearing.