Kiwi fund managers took the shock news that New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern will become the Pacific nation's youngest leader in more than 150 years in their stride.

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The Australian share market looks set to open lower following an overnight dip in oil prices and a weak lead from Wall Street, where markets were weighed down by tech stocks.

New Zealand's dollar dropped the most in a month after the opposition Labour Party won the support of smaller players to form a new government.

Shares inched higher on Thursday, keeping intact their recent winning streak as gains in the major banks offset selling in the mining sector.

Shares extended their hot streak to 10 sessions as selling in the major miners is offset by buying in the big banks.

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Keeping perspective on both the doom and boom remains a lonely pursuit – but it's the only one worth pursuing, even with the occasional bad call.