New Zealand shares closed with a mild loss on Friday, as most Asian markets saw losses amid worries over artificial intelligence spending after Meta's decision to issue a new class of shares.
The S&P/NZX 50 fell 0.1%, or 12.91 points, to close at 13,733.93.
According to multiple media reports, Meta on Wednesday disclosed a new class of non-voting shares to keep up with expenses, turning its focus on share sale to raise funds amid high borrowing costs.
In company news, ikeGPS Group (NZE:IKE, ASX:IKE) said its fiscal 2027 exit run rate subscription revenue outlook is forecast to grow over 30% compared with the prior corresponding period.
Westpac Banking (NZE:WBC, ASX:WBC) implemented workforce changes this week that impacted about 140 positions, but the latest cuts occurred in the context an ongoing restructuring and were not driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence, Reuters reported Thursday, citing a spokesperson for the bank.