AAP

Fortescue Metals Group will lop off another $US500 million ($A665 million) from its debt pile next week, after issuing a repayment notice for part of its 2019 term loan.

Perth-based mining contractor Macmahon Holdings has confirmed this afternoon that one of its employees was shot dead and seven others abducted near its operations in Nigeria.

The Australian share market has opened slightly higher, despite a dip in US stocks, with traders focusing on Thursday's referendum on whether Britain will remain part of the European Union.

US stocks have dipped in low trading volume, with traders focusing on Thursday's referendum on whether Britain will remain part of the European Union.

The Australian dollar has charged higher despite traders turning cautious a day before the Brexit referendum.

Gold fell to a two-week low on Wednesday after its biggest one-day drop in four weeks, as expectations that Britain will vote to remain in the European Union reduced risk aversion and lent a firmer tone to stocks.

A decision to dump Perth's planned light rail network has dented trust in the government's transport promises ahead of next year's state election, Treasurer Mike Nahan concedes.

The share market lost steam to close steady as gains by Rio Tinto and some banks were offset by weaker retailers.

Wesfarmers isn't seeking to offload its coal mine, despite anticipating what could be a $600 million hit from its embattled resources division.

The Australian share market has opened slightly weaker despite a stronger close on Wall Street in the wake of optimistic comments by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen about the US economy.

Gold fell to a 10-day low on Tuesday as global shares rose and expectations that Britain could vote to leave the European Union in Thursday's referendum receded.

The Australian dollar has lost steam after hitting a six-week high as the Reserve Bank reaffirmed it's neutral stance.

The Australian bond market has continued to slide as global sentiment remains elevated two days out from the Brexit vote.

BHP Billiton is looking for $800 million in new savings from its coal operations as the global miner maintains an optimistic outlook for the coal business.

A rise among most of the big banks has helped give a modest boost to the Australian share market as investors exercise caution ahead of the UK poll on whether Britain should leave the European Union.

The Australian share market has opened flat despite Wall Street and European markets rallying on increased expectations Britons will vote to stay in the European Union.

China's Nanshan Group has completed its purchase of a 19.98 per cent stake in Virgin Australia from Air New Zealand.

Gold fell after polls showed the campaign for Britain to remain in the European Union regaining some momentum, sharpening appetite for assets seen as higher risk and sparking a sharp rally in stocks.

The Australian dollar is targeting 75 US cents as global sentiment lifts in the lead up to the Brexit referendum on Thursday.

Gains by the major banks, energy stocks and big miners have helped push the Australian share market well over one per cent higher as the oil price lifted and investors considered an improved likelihood of Britain staying in the European Union.

Metcash's core food and grocery business suffered a significant fall in profit as the group tried to keep up with the major supermarkets' price cuts, with the company warning of ongoing pressure in Western Australia following Aldi's expansion into the state.

A 32-year-old man has died on a Rio Tinto mine site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The Australian share market has opened higher, led by financial and resource companies, including Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.

The Australian bond market is down with sentiment remaining stronger after weekend Brexit campaigns were suspended in the wake of the killing of a British MP.

Gold rose more than one per cent on Friday, supported by a softer dollar and cautious interest rate comments by a voting US Federal Reserve policy member, and was headed for a third week of gains.

A surge in oil prices has buoyed he Australian dollar ahead of the UK's Brexit referendum vote this week.

The share market has ended a rough week with a gain as anxiety about the UK's possible exit from the European Union eases.

The consumer watchdog is launching an industry-wide investigation into Australia's new car retail business following its probes of Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler.

Agribusiness Elders is raising $102 million from investors so it can buy back the group's hybrid securities and simplify its share structure.

The Australian share market has opened higher, driven by banking and resource heavyweights.

Gold turned lower on Thursday, as sterling bounced higher and US stock markets came well off their lows following the suspension of Britain's campaign for next week's referendum after a member of Parliament was shot dead.

Wall Street has closed higher as investors digest the implications of a British MP's death on the country's referendum on whether to leave the European Union.