Oct 16 (Reuters) - Australian shares are expected to edge lower on Friday as weak commodity prices are likely to dent local iron ore and energy stocks, with fading hopes of U.S. fiscal stimulus adding to frail risk sentiment.
The local share price index futures YAPcm1 fell 0.2% or 13 points, a 24.3-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close, as at 2023 GMT. The benchmark rose 0.5% on Thursday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 was flat in early trade.