NZ shares rise as Xero cracks $5 billion value

New Zealand shares rose, led by Xero on optimism more investors will focus on the cloud-based accounting firm's growth potential.

While Wynyard Group, another high-growth tech company, surged to a new record.

The NZX 50 Index rose 35.070 points, or 0.7 percent, to 4814.874. Within the index, 21 stocks rose, 20 fell and nine were unchanged. Turnover was $95 million.

Xero, the top-performing stock on the NZX 50 last year, gained 7.4 percent to $39.25, pushing its market capitalisation above $5 billion. The stock is up 13 percent this year.

"We expect a huge year for Xero," said James Schofield, a tech analyst at First NZ Capital. "We believe this global tech story will continue to gain awareness with global and especially US investors."

Wynyard jumped 17 percent to $1.73 and has surged 28 percent so far this month, extending gains after saying United Arab Emirates money exchange GCC Exchange will use its anti-money laundering software to enhance its ability to detect, investigate, and report suspicious activity.

BusinessDesk