Local sharemarket remains choppy while Rocket Lab rises in the US ...

Rocket Lab shares have risen sharply in recent months. Photo / Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab shares have risen sharply in recent months. Photo / Rocket Lab

The New Zealand sharemarket lacked a real sense of direction but had a small gain, while Rocket Lab was again a star in the United States.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index recovered some ground in the afternoon and closed on 12,692.94, up 18.45 points or 0.15% after reaching a morning low