AAP

Oil prices rose on Tuesday after OPEC forecast higher demand in 2018 and Russia and Venezuela confirmed their commitment to a production-cutting deal to reduce the global crude glut.

Gold bounced up from the lowest level in more than a week on Tuesday as the US dollar pared gains and US President Donald Trump said UN sanctions on North Korea are "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

The share market has closed higher for a second consecutive session, due to strong gains by the banks and miners.

The Nationals WA say they will block measures targeting big business that were unveiled last week as part of the state government's budget repair plan.

Australian shares have got off to a good start as investors look to build on a solid lead from Wall Street overnight.

Gold miner Evolution has confirmed the receipt of several offers for its Edna May gold mine in Western Australia, and is determining whether a sale will be in the best interest of shareholders.

Oil prices have risen as key US refineries began restarts following Hurricane Harvey, which may help revive crude oil processing, while fuel prices fell as Hurricane Irma is likely to clip demand for petrol and diesel.

Gold prices have fallen more than one per cent from the previous session's 13-month high as relief that North Korea did not conduct a missile test over the weekend helped to lift global stocks, the US dollar and bond yields.

The Australian share market has closed higher as investors took some comfort from North Korea refraining from any more provocative missile launches over the weekend.

Tabcorp expects to complete its $11 billion mega merger with gaming rival Tatts on November 1.

The Australian share market is higher in early trading as heavy falls from the mining giants are offset by strong gains by the heavyweight banks and healthcare sectors.

The Australian dollar is almost half a cent lower against its US counterpart, falling back from its 81 US cents of Friday, despite the greenback itself weakening.

 US crude prices have tumbled down more than three per cent on worries that energy demand would be hit hard as Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms in a century, headed toward Flori

Gold has held near its highest in more than a year as the US dollar dropped and weak economic data lowered expectations of a December interest rate rise in the United States.

The Australian share market has ended the day down, while the Aussie dollar gained sharply on strong housing data and a weaker greenback

Treasurer Ben Wyatt has signalled he won't be bullied by the gold mining industry, which is opposing royalty rate hikes that were unveiled in the state budget.

Australia's financial sector regulator has appointed three panel members to inquire into the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's governance, culture and accountability.

The Australian market has opened hardly changed, but in the green

The Australian dollar is sharply higher against its US counterpart and well above the 80 US cent mark after European Central Bank commentary failed to announce any tapering of its bond-purchasing program.

Gold prices have risen to a one-year peak after the US dollar tumbled on the back of weak US jobs data and an unchanged growth and inflation outlook from the European Central Bank.

Despite a good start to the session, the Australian share market has closed steady as investors worry about the possibility of another North Korean missile test on Saturday, the anniversary of the country's founding.

UPDATED: Lisa Scaffidi has stood down from her duties as Perth's lord mayor, pending an appeal against her 18-month disqualification from holding office for repeatedly failing to disclose gifts and travel, but plans to retain the title and her annual allowance.

The Australian share market has opened higher, following the positive lead of US equities.

The Australian dollar has crept higher against its US counterpart, recouping a little of its loss following weaker-than-expected economic growth figures and gains in the greenback.

Oil prices have risen more than per cent as strong global refining margins and the reopening of US Gulf Coast refineries provided a more bullish outlook after sharp drops due to Hurricane Harvey.

Gold prices have fallen from the one-year high hit in the previous session as concerns over a potential US government shutdown eased and the dollar rose against the safe-haven yen.

The share market has closed lower due to a broad sell-off of banks, insurers and other financial stocks.

A Senate committee will inquire into the future of rugby union in Australia, a day after the ARU's victory in its fight to axe the Western Force from Super Rugby.

Schoolchildren across Western Australia may be exposed to lead-contaminated water because the same plumbing materials plaguing Perth Children's Hospital could also be in schools, an expert has warned.

Mines Minister Bill Johnston has been criticised for holding a scientific inquiry to decide the future of fracking in the state, with the industry saying it's unnecessary and creates damaging uncertainty.

The Australian market has opened lower, following a negative lead from Wall Street and the major bank stocks all trading lower.

Gold prices have climbed to a one-year high on Tuesday as the US dollar eased and safe-haven buying demand remained robust due to continued concerns over North Korea's nuclear tests.