Australian shares poised to open higher, NZ gains

Australian shares are set to open higher on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve said in a policy statement that the economic recovery is on track, although saying that it would not consider raising interest rates soon.

The local share price index futures rose 0.2%, a 81.3-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

Australian shares end at 2-week high on miners, financials boost

The benchmark ended lower on Wednesday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.5% in early trade.