New Zealand’s gross domestic product rose 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, exceeding the 0.1% forecast and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s projection of no growth. Annual growth reached 2.6%, although forecast comparisons differ between reports: the older record cites a 2.2% consensus, while the newer market report cites 2.3%. Quarterly momentum slowed from 0.8% in the first quarter, with only nine of 16 industries expanding. Following the release, the NZX 50 rose 134 points, or 1.0%, to 13,757, led by energy, technology, utilities, real estate and financial stocks. Elevated oil prices, Middle East tensions and interest-rate decisions remained key market factors.