Local stocks are poised to open little changed, with investors focusing on Westpac's profit result but likely to remain on the sidelines as tensions rise in Ukraine.

• Dollar shakes off strong US jobs data

The Australian dollar has regained ground following losses on the back of stronger-than-expected US jobs figures.

A private gauge of Australian inflation jumped in April as the cost of postal services, tobacco, communication and travel all rose.

US stocks eased on Friday as concerns about more violence in Ukraine prompted profit-taking

China's manufacturing grew less than economists estimated in April, underscoring weakness in the world's second-biggest economy.

China's WH Group Ltd, the world's biggest pork company, has postponed its planned Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) due to weak demand for the deal even after it cut the offer size by two-thirds.

Pubs as an investment class are booming - more than $60 million has changed hands in recent times, and more than one group is now testing the appeal with a stockmarket listing.

In the past week, analysts, media and investors have sat through webcasts and briefings by Stockland and Mirvac.

Disused and unloved properties are getting a new lease of life by being rented as creative spaces across the fringe areas of the city.