Australian shares set to edge higher on Sino-U.S. trade deal hopes; NZ flat

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 acc