Investors are likely to take in their stride the surprise delay of a key British parliamentary vote that would have paved the way for a negotiated divorce from the European Union by the end of the month.

Futures pricing suggests the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index will open 35 points, or 0.5 per cent, lower and pointing to the potential for a third consecutive session of losses. The Aussie dollar may extend recent gains after surging to US68.6¢ following warnings from the Reserve Bank governor that further rate cuts are not guaranteed amid an improving narrative around the country's economic growth prospects.