Aust stocks set for flat open

The Australian stock market looks set to open open flat despite gains on international markets overnight.

At 0645 AEDT, the December share price index futures contract was up four points at 5,374.

No major economic news is expected on Friday.

In equities news, AMP (AMP) is expected to release its third quarter trading update and Whitehaven Coal (WHC) its quarterly production report, while PaperlinX (PPX), Carsales.com (CRZ), Transfield Services (TSE) and Austal (ASB) all have annual general meetings scheduled.

In Australia, the market on Thursday finished higher, driven by strong gains among the big banks.

The nation's biggest bank, Commonwealth, surged to a record high as the bank reporting season approaches.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 16.8 points, or 0.31%, higher at 5,372.9.

The broader All Ordinaries index was up 16.9 points, or 0.32%, at 5,373.7.