Aust stocks set to open stronger

The Australian stock market looks set to open higher following gains on international markets with sentiment buoyed by strong German and British industrial sectors data.

At 0645 AEDT, the December share price index futures contract was up nine points at 5,427.

In economic news on Thursday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics releases labour force data for October while the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association performance of construction index (PCI) for month just ended is also due out.

In equities news, Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is expected to release first half results while Fairfax Media (FXJ), Wesfarmers (WES) and Credit Corp Group (CCP) have annual general meetings scheduled.

In Australia, the market on Wednesday closed almost flat, with a healthy quarterly earnings report from the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) the highlight.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was was up 1.8 points, or 0.03%, at 5,433.8 points.

The broader All Ordinaries index was up 0.3 points, or 0.01%, at 5,426.0 points.