Australian shares ended flat with a negative bias at market close Thursday, ahead of US jobs data expected later in the day, which could influence the US Federal Reserve's next interest rate move.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 8,595.80.

Bloomberg economists forecast that US payrolls likely rose by 106,000 in June, with unemployment rising to 4.3%.

These numbers could reinforce expectations for a US Fed rate cut in September, while a sharper slowdown may prompt an earlier move at the July policy meeting, analysts said.

"Investors are generally adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach before the jobs report to be announced later today," said Tomo Kinoshita, global market strategist at Invesco Asset Management in Tokyo.

On the domestic front, Australia is poised for a cautious economic recovery in fiscal 2026, supported by easing inflation, interest rate cuts, and modest gross domestic product growth, despite ongoing global uncertainties, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) said in a media release.

Australia's goods surplus fell to AU$2.24 billion in May from AU$4.86 billion in April, according to data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australian services activity improved in June, driven by stronger new

business growth and rising business confidence despite ongoing export weakness, according to a monthly survey by S&P Global.

In company news, shares of GemLife Communities Group (ASX:GLF) surged Thursday, its first trading day on the Australian Securities Exchange. Shares of the company fell nearly 2% at market close.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises' (ASX:DMP) incoming group Chief Financial Officer George Saoud and newly appointed Executive Chair Jack Cowin hosted an investor call and a question-and-answer session Thursday after announcing Chief Executive Mark van Dyck's resignation Wednesday. Shares rose past 2% at market close.

Lastly, Pilbara Minerals' (ASX:PLS) trading volume jumped to 94.6 million shares Thursday, compared with its average trading volume of 35.5 million shares. Shares of the company rose past 11% at market close.