AAP

Speculation about Premier Colin Barnett's leadership is being perpetuated by those who deliberately seek to undermine the government, Treasurer Mike Nahan says.

The share market has fallen after surprisingly strong economic growth figures cast doubts on the prospects of another interest rate cut.

The Australian share market has opened around one per cent lower

Spot gold has risen one per cent, rebounding from the prior session's three-and-a-half-month low, but remains on track for its biggest monthly decline since November on US dollar strength and growing expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate rise.

The S&P 500 wrapped up its third straight month of gains on a flat note as weaker energy shares countered a rise in safe-haven utilities.

The Australian dollar is nearly flat as markets await the release of key economic data.

The Australian share market has closed in red territory, dragged lower by retail giants Wesfarmers and Woolworths as well as banking stocks.

China's biggest private airline operator is set to take a 13 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, boosting the Australian carrier's access to the burgeoning Chinese travel market.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

Gold has fallen below $US1,200 for the first time since mid-February, as comments from Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen on the likelihood of higher US interest rates sent the US dollar to two-month highs.

The Australian dollar is a touch higher after the greenback fell from a two-month high.

Premier Colin Barnett has revived long-discussed plans for an indigenous art gallery at Elizbeth Quay, partly inspired by the success of Hobart's MONA gallery, as a key part of his goal to boost boost Perth as a tourist brand.

The Australian share market has closed slightly higher following a lacklustre performance from the heavyweight banks and mining stocks.

Miner and metals producer Alumina has fended off allegations it is trying to obstruct the global demerger of US aluminium giant Alcoa, and says it will defend its rights in US court proceedings.

The Australian share market is trading flat, as investors await key local and international data this week to determine the direction of the market.

The Australian dollar is weaker after the US Federal Reserve again said it expected to raise interest rates in coming months.

Gold has fallen one per cent to a three-month low, extending losses after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated the US central bank could raise interest rates within months if the economy continues to improve, boosting the US dollar.

The share market has closed at a nine-month high in a third straight day of gains, boosted by a stronger financial sector.

Telstra customers have rebuffed an offer of a free data day in compensation for yet another network outage, preferring instead for a discount on their phone bill.

Australia's major banks face soft profit growth amid growing macroeconomic risks linked to low interest rates and government tax policy, according to Fitch.

The Australian share market has opened higher, led by CSL, Macquarie Group, Wesfarmers and financial stocks.

Oil prices have eased after topping $US50 a barrel for the first time in about seven months, while US stocks ended near flat after two days of strong gains.

Wall Street has trodden water following two days of strong gains as advancing defensive sectors offset declines in materials, banks and other cyclical industries.

The Australian dollar is strengthening on pessimism about a US rate hike in June.

Shoppers will no longer be slugged with excessive surcharges on credit card payments under new rules, but could face other fees as banks look to make up for lost revenue.

The share market has been boosted by mining and energy stocks, but investors are still looking for something to provide more significant drive.

Gina Rinehart has lost her position as Australia's richest person due to plunging iron ore prices and a bitter court battle with her two eldest children.

Parents won't be getting a schoolkids bonus after July, no matter who wins the federal election.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

Wall Street has risen robustly for a second straight session, helped by higher oil prices and investors becoming more comfortable with the prospect of an interest rate hike as early as next month.

Gold has fallen to a seven-week low after upbeat US home sales data in the previous session boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve will press ahead with interest rate rises in the near term.

Oil prices have climbed to just shy of $US50 ($A69.62) a barrel after a sharper-than-expected fall in crude inventories, lifting energy shares and world stock markets.