New Zealand shares fell Wednesday, impacted by losses from Wall Street and weaker consumer confidence in the March quarter.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index was down 0.3%, or 30.92 points, to close at 12,045.93.

In global trade, New Zealand and India have reportedly resolved to complete their trade negotiations in 90 days as Prime Minister Luxon and his delegates visited New Delhi.

Geopolitical tensions were intensified after Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed more than 400 people on Tuesday, breaking nearly two months of relative peace after the ceasefire deal.

Helped by geopolitical and global tensions, gold prices held above $3000 per ounce, close to its record high hit in the previous session.

At home, New Zealand farmers' confidence in the broader agri economy jumped to 44% in the final quarter of 2024 from 34% in the preceding three-month period.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's current account deficit narrowed to NZ$5.91 billion in the December 2024 quarter from NZ$6.39 billion in the preceding three-month period.

New Zealand consumer confidence weakened in the March quarter, dragged by trade war-related risks and cost of living pressures.

In corporate news, Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust (NZE:TEM) purchased for cancellation 220,372 ordinary shares at 1.76 pounds sterling apiece.

Australian Foundation Investment (ASX:AFI, NZE:AFI) repurchased 181,699 fully paid ordinary shares for a total consideration of AU$1.3 million in an on-market buyback.