2259 GMT - Australia's S&P/ASX 200 looks set to open higher ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest-rate decision announcement later on Tuesday.

ASX futures are up 0.5%.

The local benchmark also got a boost from Wall Street as the major indices continued their rally following positive jobs data which spurred hopes of a rate cut later this year.

The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.2%, the benchmark S&P 500 gained 1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%.

Ahead of the open, ANZ reported a first half profit fall, but announced a A$2 billion buyback.

AGL raised its underlying earnings guidance, while Medibank said it was on track to deliver on resident policyholder growth outlook.

Sims said it expected 2H underlying Ebit to be marginally below 1H.

Market watchers expect no change to Australia's cash rate following the RBA board meeting. (alice.uribe@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires