AAP

The head of the consumer watchdog says some large companies are deliberately trying to deceive customers and that the effects are widespread.

Australian shares are trading lower, with investors cautious ahead of a divisive Dutch election and an expected US interest rate rise.

The Australian dollar is little changed against its US counterpart despite the greenback lifting ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision on whether it will raise its interest rate this month.

Oil has tumbled after OPEC reports a rise in global crude stocks and a surprise output jump from its biggest member, Saudi Arabia, further pressuring prices that have now erased nearly all gains since OPEC announced production cuts in November.

Gold prices are little changed as an expected US interest rate rise boosts the US dollar and weighs on the precious metal, but political risks in Europe provide safe-haven support.

The share market has closed almost flat as a disappointing domestic business confidence survey and Chinese economic data contributed to the loss of early gains.

Soaring gas prices on Australia's east coast are making manufacturing difficult or even impossible, the competition watchdog has warned, as a gas 'crisis' puts jobs in brickmaking and other industries at risk.

Old houses in Britain and Ireland are a key reason home improvement giant Bunnings expects its UK expansion to be a success.

WA Nationals leader Brendon Grylls, who was the target of a $2 million mining industry advertising campaign, today conceded he's lost his seat of Pilbara to Labor's Kevin Michel.

The Australian share market is gaining strength, thanks to the heavyweight materials sector on the back of higher commodity prices after a mixed performance on Wall Street.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher against its US counterpart as the greenback remains steady ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.

Oil prices are steady to soft after touching three-month low, testing a slide that began last week when the market became less optimistic that OPEC's efforts to restrict output would reduce a global oil glut amid swelling US. supplies.

Gold prices are little changed as the prospect of an imminent interest rate rise keeps them near the five-week lows touched last week, while elections in Europe create uncertainty and fuels investor buying.

US stocks ended little changed in light volume on Monday, with traders eyeing a Federal Reserve meeting expected to result in an interest rate increase later this week.

The Australian share market has closed lower after suffering widespread losses across the financials, healthcare and retail sectors and a sharp sell-off in energy companies.

The incoming Labor government is already warning Western Australians the state's record debt pile could take decades to overcome.

Premier-elect Mark McGowan says his ministry will be a mix of experience and youth, and has again indicated he'll have the final say in its makeup.

Western Australia's Liberal MPs are considering a new leader to replace Colin Barnett after the weekend's crushing election defeat.

The Australian share market is off to a weak start, despite gains on Wall Street on Friday, as investors turn nervous ahead of key global macro-economic and political events later this week.

The Australian dollar is higher against its US counterpart which weakened following a US jobs report that failed to meet elevated expectations.

Oil have again skidded again, pushing prices to three-month lows as investors continue to flee bullish positions on worries that OPEC-led production cuts have not yet reduced a global glut of crude.

Gold has recovered from an early drop to five-week lows after a US non-farm payrolls report for February failed to meet elevated expectations, prompting a drop in the US dollar and Treasury yields.

Malcolm Turnbull insists nurses and police officers aren't next in line for a cut in their penalty rates.

The Australian share market has closed higher with most sectors in positive territory ahead of the release of key US employment data.

Pauline Hanson has fended off claims her Western Australian One Nation team is in disarray on the eve of the state election.

Australian shares are stronger, driven by healthcare, banking and consumer-related stocks following a steady finish on Wall Street.

The Australian dollar is down fractionally against its US counterpart ahead of domestic housing finance data.

Oil prices have slid nearly 3 per cent, extending the previous session's dive that brought prices to the lowest levels this year, as record US crude inventories fed doubts about whether OPEC-led supply cuts would reduce a global glut.

Gold has fallen for the sixth straight session, reaching a five-week low, with analysts expecting further losses as investors become increasingly certain that US interest rates will rise this month.

The share market has lost ground for a second straight day as investors dumped resource and energy stocks following a drop in iron ore and oil prices.

The competition watchdog has rejected a proposal by insurers to cap commissions paid to car dealers selling their add-on policies.

ANZ Banking Group says it will try to find new jobs for the approximately 180 employees at its share trading business that has been sold to UK-listed CMC Markets.