AAP

Australian shares have powered to new highs for a fifth consecutive day on a continuing wave of investor confidence.

Oil prices steadied after sluggish economic growth in China, the world's biggest crude importer, raised concerns over fuel demand and countered optimism from the signing of a China-US trade deal.

Palladium soared over 9 per cent to power above the key $US 2,500 an ounce level for the first time on Friday, boosted by a chronic shortage of the metal in the market and hopes the global economy might be turning the corner.

Australian shares have reached fresh all-time highs for a fourth consecutive day after Chinese economic data showed better than expected growth for Australia's top trading partner.

Rio Tinto has posted a 3 per cent drop in iron ore shipments in 2019 as the Anglo-Australian miner's operations faced disruptions due to cyclone and a fire at a port facility.

Australian shares have reached fresh all-time highs for a fourth consecutive day following the signing of a trade deal between the US and China earlier this week.

Oil rose about one per cent overnight as progress on another major trade deal fed optimism that energy demand will grow in 2020.

Gold slipped overnight as the safe-haven metal was hurt by upbeat US economic data that signalled a healthy economy and as stock markets climbed on optimism over the signing of the US-China Phase 1 trade deal.

The benchmark Australian stock index has smashed past the 7,000-point level for the first time ever on a wave of investor confidence from a signed trade deal between the US and China after two years of hostilities.

Caltex Australia has reached an agreement with Alimentation Couche-Tard that will allow it to disclose confidential information in relation to the Montreal-based global convenience store chain's $8.6 billion takeover offer.

Australian shares smashed past the 7,000 point level for the first time on a wave of investor confidence from a signed trade deal between the US and China.

Oil prices were down slightly overnight, pressured early by data showing big increases in US refined products, but recovered some of the losses later by the signing of a Phase 1 trade deal between Washington and Beijing.

Gold rose overnight after details of the US-China Phase 1 trade deal failed to soothe investors' concerns about trade differences, as Washington retained tariffs on some Chinese goods.

The Australian share market has closed higher for the eighth time in 10 sessions, with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index coming tantalisingly close to breaking the 7,000 mark.

Charities will get more government funding to hand out food vouchers, financial counselling and help with basics in bushfire-affected communities.

Super members have good reason to be optimistic about what 2020 might deliver to their balances but they should not expect the same fat returns as last year, a research house says.

Australian shares were continuing a tilt at 7,000 points at midday after posting new records in early trade.

Oil prices climbed overnight after five days of declines as the United States and China prepared to sign a preliminary trade deal and as Middle East tensions eased.

Gold has lost some of its appeal ahead of the signing of an interim US-China trade deal but palladium has hit a record high.

Australian shares have hit a fresh record high amid surging global investor optimism ahead of a looming US-China trade deal.

Australians buying homes with at least a seven-star energy rating will be eligible for discounted loans under a new scheme through the federal government's green bank.

Copper prices overnight hit their highest point since May as traders awaited the signing of a US-China Phase 1 trade deal and Chinese data that will show whether a pick-up in economic activity has been maintained.

Australian shares have hit a fresh record high amid surging global investor optimism ahead of a looming US-China trade deal.

Oil prices fell about 1 per cent overnight as Middle East tensions eased and investors turned their focus to lackluster seasonal demand following last week's bearish US report showing a large fuel stockbuilds.

A looming US-China trade deal and the easing of tensions in the Middle East have prompted gold prices to fall overnight.

The Australian share market has pulled back after breaking through its all-time highs on Friday, with Australia's largest companies dipping the most.

The bushfire crisis will cost Australia $5 billion in direct losses and lop off 0.2 to 0.5 per cent from its economic growth, Westpac has estimated.

Australian share prices have dipped at the opening of the trading week with most industry sectors down by less than one per cent.

Oil fell below $US65 a barrel overnight in its first weekly loss since late November, erasing the week's risk premium added since a US drone strike killed a top Iranian general as investors focused on rising US inventories and other signs of ample supply.

Gold edged higher overnight, and was on track to post a weekly gain for fifth straight week, as fresh sanctions on Iran by the United States stoked uncertainty supporting demand for the bullion.

Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki are the latest manufacturers to voluntarily recall cars with the potentially deadly Takata NADI 5-AT airbags, and are offering to buy the vehicles back.

The Australian share market has roared to a new all-time high after enjoying its best week in nearly a year.