Australian shares are tipped to edge lower on Thursday, tracking a muted finish overnight in the US stock market which fell after data showed a sharp slowdown in jobs growth in July.

Weak copper and oil prices are expected to further hurt sentiment.

The local share price index futures fell 0.18%, a 105.2-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close. The benchmark closed at a record high on Wednesday.

Australian stocks tumble 2.27pc

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index opened 0.12% lower at 12,781.92.