Jan 4 (Reuters) - Australian shares were set to open lower on Monday, the first trading day of the year, on fears of fresh coronavirus-induced restrictions as cases continued to climb in the country.
The most-populous state of New South Wales reported eight new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, while Victoria's tally increased by three, as both states implemented measures like mandatory wearing of masks to slow the virus's spread. local stock index futures YAPcm1 was down 1.2%, a 51.1-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index's .AXJO previous close.
The benchmark last closed 1.4% lower on Thursday before a public holiday on Friday.
Neighbouring New Zealand's bourse was closed for a public holiday on Monday.