The Australian share market is expected to start in positive territory after the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw gains for the fourth consecutive day.

On the Sydney Futures Exchange, the September share price index contract climbed 19 points at 4490 points this morning. The major local indices each closed about a quarter of a percentage point stronger yesterday.

In economics news, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Consumer Price Index for three months to June is scheduled for release today. Economists are expecting a 1 per cent lift for the quarter, taking the increase to about 3.4 per cent for the year.

In companies news, Alesco Corporation will declare its annual report, while Lihir Gold releases its second quarter production results.

Macarthur Coal, Riversdale Mining and Whitehaven Coal are all set to announce their June quarter data.

Australia Pacific Aviation Outlook summit keeps on in Sydney with Qantas Airways' chief Alan Joyce to address an audience on the company's approach to building a solid and sustainable airline.

In Melbourne, chief marketing officer Kate McKenzie of Telstra is to speak before the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia about "Consumers Making the Leap into a Digital Culture and Economy".

Yesterday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished 11.3 points or 0.25 per cent higher at 4497.4 points. Meanwhile, the broader All Ordinaries index hit 4513.9 points, adding 9.5 points or 0.21 per cent.