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Australian shares were set to rise on Thursday, with gains likely to be driven by gold and energy stocks due to higher commodity prices.
The local share price index futures rose 0.04%, but was at a 78.9-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.
Gold rally drives Australia shares higher
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.3% in early trading.