New Zealand shares were flat on Monday ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting scheduled later this week, where the central bank is widely anticipated to continue its easing cycle.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index was little changed to close at 13,208.31.

"After cutting policy rates 25 [basis points], Chair Powell is likely to guide toward a series of further rate cuts, noting that downside risk to employment has increased further following recent softer jobs data," said Andrew Hollenhorst, Chief US economist at Citi, as quoted by Reuters.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada is expected to lower rates by 25 basis points this week, while the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England are both anticipated to keep policy unchanged at their upcoming meetings. Traders remain less certain about Norway's Norges Bank, with markets pricing the chance of a cut at just above 50%, according to a Monday Reuters report.

In domestic news, the Rabobank rural confidence survey found that farmer confidence in the broader agricultural economy reached its second-highest reading in the last decade, according to a note from Rabobank New Zealand.

Also, New Zealand's services sector remained in decline in August, as businesses continued to battle rising costs and subdued demand, according to a statement by BusinessNZ.

In corporate news, Warehouse Group (NZE:WHS) formed a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to simplify its technology stack, remove legacy systems, consolidate platforms, and optimize its technology investments.

Spark New Zealand (ASX:SPK, NZE:SPK) has appointed Mark Beder to the newly created role of chief commercial officer as part of the company's new leadership team.