Yellen's semi-annual testimony will be the highlight this week for investors looking for cues on further interest rate hikes. She will testify on Wednesday and Thursday.

The local share price index futures was down 0.018 percent to 5,676.

The benchmark rose 0.4 percent to 5,724.4 on Monday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.3 percent in early trade.