Jan 10 (Reuters) - Australian shares are likely to edge higher on Thursday, as signs of progress in the U.S.-China trade talks boosted hopes that the world's two biggest economies could resolve a months-long damaging trade spat that has rattled financial markets.
U.S. and Chinese officials ended talks on Wednesday that lasted longer than expected, with negotiations focused on Beijing's pledge to buy a "substantial amount" of U.S farm and energy commodities as well as offer increased access to China's markets. share price index futures YAPcm1 firmed 0.2 percent to 5,738, a 40.3-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO close. The benchmark climbed about 1 percent on Wednesday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 was little changed in early trade at 8,949.31.