By Soumyajit Saha
Jan 22 (Reuters) - Australian shares are set to open lower on Friday following three consecutive sessions of gains, as market participants pause ahead of expected further U.S. stimulus and more domestic production results slated for next week.
The local share price index futures YAPcm1 fell 0.27%, a 69.7-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close. The benchmark rose 0.8% on Thursday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 1.1% in early trade.