Two Federal Reserve officials on Thursday said they see no need for an interest rate cut next month, while another said he was "open-minded," highlighting policymakers' divisions over how to respond to signs of a global economic slowdown.

The local share price index futures fell 0.2pc, a 54.8-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

The benchmark rose 0.3pc on Thursday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.03pc to 10,728.55 in early trade.