The NZX 50 fell 24 points, or 0.2%, to close at 13,811 on Thursday, reversing part of the previous session’s gain. The decline followed weaker trading on Wall Street, where a softer-than-expected inflation reading was offset by higher oil prices. Persistent oil strength and the Middle East conflict kept inflation expectations in focus, while elevated U.S. Treasury yields added pressure to the broader market. Traders also awaited U.S. jobs data later in the week for indications about the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision at its upcoming meeting. New Zealand building permits rose at their fastest pace in four months in August, helping limit the index’s decline. Energy, financial and communication services were the main drags. Delegat Group was the weakest performer, falling 3.2%, followed by Channel Infrastructure down 2.5% and Westpac Banking Corp. down 2.3%. Meridian Energy fell 1.6%, Infratil declined 1.5%, and both EBOS Group and Chorus dropped 1.3%.