March 22 (Reuters) - Australian shares are likely to edge lower on Thursday, mirroring a fall in U.S. stocks after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates and forecast at least two more hikes for 2018.
The local share price index futures YAPcm1 fell 0.14 percent, or 8 points, to 5,926, a 24.3-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close. The benchmark rose 0.2 percent on Wednesday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 inched up in early trade.