NZ Stocks Fall 0.2% as Manufacturing Growth Eases

New Zealand's stock market index fell by 26 points to 13,799 on Friday morning trade, marking a 0.2% decline from Thursday's close.

The drop comes after a stronger showing in the previous session, but manufacturing sector growth eased in July, with all sub-indices expanding at a slower pace for the 21st consecutive month.

Traders remain cautious ahead of upcoming data releases, including food inflation figures and private-sector statistics, as well as China's interest rate decision next week.

However, an upbeat session on Wall Street overnight helped cap the fall, amid easing expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike at its upcoming meeting.