Australia shares are set to open slightly lower on Wednesday, as worries around surging COVID-19 cases are likely to offset gains in resource-related stocks on strong commodity prices.

The local share price index futures rose 0.9%, but were at a 34.1-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close. The benchmark fell 0.8% on Tuesday.

Australia shares poised to open lower, NZ rises

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index added 0.1% to 12,843.40 points in early trade.