Dec 19 (Reuters) - Australian share prices are seen edging lower on Monday, taking their cue from a weaker U.S. market on Friday and as the U.S. dollar hovering near 14-year highs is expected to keep basic materials prices under pressure.
The local share market index futures contract YAPcm1 fell 0.1 percent, or 4 points, to 5,489, a 43.9-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close.
The benchmark finished 0.1 percent lower in the previous session and lost 0.5 percent on the week.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 was up 0.2 percent, or 14.29 points, at 6,774.53 at 2113 GMT.
For a summary of overnight action across global markets, double click on AU/CALL
For a digest of the day's business stories in Australian newspapers, double-click on PRESS/AUB