NZ stocks: Shares fall in early trading

The sharemarket opened softer today, in the shortened last trading session of the year.

Shortly after the 10am open the benchmark NZSX-50 gross index was down 6.46 at 3350.97, while the NZSX-All capital index was down 0.86 points at 1014.14.

The stock exchange will close after a half-day of trading, and not re-open until next Wednesday due to public holidays to mark the New Year.

Among the few blue chip movers this morning were Telecom, up 1c at 602, and Contact Energy down 8c at 655.

Fletcher Building was unchanged at 748, as was Carter Holt at 251.

- NZPA