Australian shares are set to tumble at the open on Thursday, as energy stocks, hit by weaker oil prices, are likely to drag on the year's first trading session.
The local share price index futures <YAPcm1> fell about 2.1%, a 82.1-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index <.AXJO> close. The benchmark closed 1.8% lower on Tuesday.
The New Zealand market was closed on the day for a holiday.
(Corrects to remove reference to New Zealand benchmark in headline and story as the exchange there is closed for a holiday)
(Reporting by Nikhil Subba in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Cooney)
