The New Zealand sharemarket experienced a flat start to the week despite global economic anxieties. Heightened conflict in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and a continuing sell-off in the tech sector contributed to investor unease. The S&P/NZX 50 index showed initial declines following a downturn on Wall Street but ultimately closed marginally higher at 13,696.03 points, up just 0.01%. Despite the slight gain, the index reached a low of 13,622.58 points during the trading day, reflecting the prevailing uncertainty. Investors remain cautious as geopolitical tensions escalate and impact market sentiment, particularly regarding energy prices. The market's relative stability suggests a holding pattern as investors assess the situation.