Dec 17 (Reuters) - Australian shares were likely to rise at the opening on Thursday, with miners set to gain as iron ore prices soar, while broader risk sentiment was bolstered as U.S. policymakers neared a potential stimulus package.
U.S. congressional negotiators were "closing in on" a $900 billion COVID-19 aid bill and Congress could start voting within 24 hours, lawmakers and aides said. The U.S. Federal Reserve reiterated a pledge to keep its benchmark interest rate near zero. .N
The local share price index futures YAPcm1 rose 0.4%, a 26.8-point premium to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close. The benchmark fell 0.7% on Wednesday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 0.3% by 2120 GMT.