New Zealand equities climbed 144 points, or 1.0%, to close at 13,931 on Wednesday after the RBNZ (New Zealand’s central bank) raised interest rates by 25 basis points. The decision underscored the central bank’s determination to return price growth to its 1% to 3% target range. The broader index rebounded from its lowest level since Aug. 17, reached in the previous session, with financials, consumer staples, communication services and utilities leading gains. Rising oil prices restrained the advance amid heightened inflation concerns and stronger expectations of an interest rate hike linked to escalating Middle East tensions. New Zealand consumer confidence eased slightly in August, while building permits continued to decline. Chorus rose 2.7%, Briscoe Group gained 2.5%, Mercury NZ added 2.3%, A2 Milk increased 2.0%, Meridian Energy climbed 1.5%, ANZ Group advanced 1.3%, Fisher & Paykel rose 0.9%, and Mainfreight gained 0.8%.