AAP

Oil prices have climbed, with WTI lifting more than three per cent, on reports showing cuts in US oil production and declines in US crude and European product stockpiles.

Spot gold has risen off the previous day's near four-month lows, as a drop in equities drives safe-haven buying and the US dollar retreats.

The share market has managed a modest gain, with resources stocks among the best performers.

The state government has warned police the public expects them to do their job, as new industrial action started, including officers issuing cautions for minor offences instead of fines.

Asian private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners has made a $2.2 billion offer for Vocus Communications, rivalling a similar bid from US private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. 

The Australian share market has opened lower following a mixed lead from Wall Street.

The Australian dollar is a little higher against a steady greenback.

Oil prices have risen modestly, but increased drilling activity in the United States and uncertainty over Libyan and Nigerian production cuts clouded the future supply outlook.

Gold prices have edged up from their lowest since mid-March in choppy trade, after nearing technical support and as traders awaited signals from central banks on interest rate rises.

The Australian share market has closed higher with the financials leading widespread gains across almost all sectors. 

The proposed $11 billion merger between wagering giant Tabcorp and lotteries and wagering firm Tatts Group is set for more scrutiny - this time by the Federal Court.

South32 says its recently shut Appin coal mine in NSW will remain closed for an extended period for a safety review.

The Australian share market is higher, led by the major banks, after a positive lead from Wall Street which was boosted by a better-than-expected US jobs report.

The Australian dollar is higher against its US counterpart and is back above 76 US cents, even though the US dollar has firmed slightly.

Oil prices have settled nearly three per cent lower as rising US production as OPEC exports hit a 2017 high cast doubt over efforts by producers to curb global oversupply.

Gold has fallen to the lowest in nearly four months after stronger than expected United States jobs data increased the likelihood of another US interest rate increase and the US dollar rose.

The Australian share market fell on Friday, erasing its gains for the week as investors worried that central banks are about to wind back economic stimulus measures.

National Australia Bank has apologised to at least 150,000 customers for failing to disclose that its advisers were cross-selling the bank's products.

The competition watchdog is examining whether a Lachlan Murdoch-Bruce Gordon takeover of Ten Network Holdings will impact the television programming, sports broadcasting and advertising industries.

The Australian share market has started the day lower, as investors follow the lead from Wall Street, where indices ended lower after disappointing data and rising tensions in the Korean peninsula.

The Australian dollar is down against its US counterpart, back below 76 US cents even though the greenback has also fallen after a round of weaker-than-expected US employment data.

Oil futures have settled up slightly, but well off session highs, after a sharp but short-lived boost from a much bigger-than-expected decline in US inventories of crude oil and petrol.

Gold has eased but hovers above the previous session's two-month low as weaker-than-expected private sector payrolls data fed into a more cautious view on the pace of US interest rate hikes this year and Treasury yields firmed.

The share market has closed slightly weaker as gains by healthcare companies and several miners were offset by falls in the energy and banking sectors.

Removing Western Australia's Disability Services Commission director-general while changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are under way is like sacking a coach before the grand final, the state opposition says.

Former Australian Workers Union official and accused bagman Ralph Blewitt has protested his innocence and claims he is being made the fall guy after facing a Perth court over the alleged embezzlement of more than $400,000.

Coca Cola-Amatil has suffered a double blow, losing a contract with Australia's largest pizza chain to its rival and failing to get its latest no sugar offering on the shelves of supermarket giant Woolworths.

The Australian share market has started the day in the red, with a slump in oil prices pushing the energy sector lower.

The Australian dollar is lower against its US counterpart which has remained steady, while oil prices have pluneged.

Oil prices have retreated about 4 per cent, ending their longest bull-run in more than five years, as climbing OPEC exports and a stronger US dollar turned sentiment more bearish.

Gold has steadied after Federal Reserve minutes showed a growing split among policymakers on the inflation outlook and the US dollar pares gains, lifting the precious metal above an eight-week low reached earlier in the session.

The Australian sharemarket finished down at the close despite a late rally as global concerns were felt across most sectors except the big miners.