AAP

The share market has gained ground thanks strength in energy and materials stocks.

Troubled steel and mining group Arrium has been placed in voluntary administration, following discussions with its lenders.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

The Australian dollar has bounced back amid the US Federal Reserve's caution and growing signs China's economy is stabilising.

Gold has fallen one per cent as a recovery in equities prompted some profit-taking after Tuesday's rally, while minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last policy meeting showed concern about "appreciable downside risks" in the global economy.

US stocks advanced bolstered by gains in healthcare shares after the collapse of the $US160 billion ($A212.30 billion) merger of Pfizer and Allergan, and by a rise in energy shares.

Gains by energy stocks have pushed the share market modestly higher, but most of the major banks are still feeling pain.

Broadspectrum has urged shareholders to reject an increased takeover offer from Spanish suitor Ferrovial that values the company at $769 million.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder says he can't rule out insider trading by state government staff in relation to a major contract decision, but the corporate watchdog has so far not indicated any concern.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

Gold has rebounded more than one per cent, snapping two days of losses as risk appetite evaporated, pushing global stocks lower and knocking the US dollar to a 17-month low against the yen.

Wall Street has fallen sharply as investors took gains off the table following a recent rally and ahead of an upcoming quarterly reporting season that is expected to reveal sharply lower earnings.

The Australian dollar has tumbled further on the back of Reserve Bank comments and disappointing economic data.

The Australian share market closed sharply lower, hurt by steep falls in energy, mining and banking stocks.

The competition watchdog has announced plans to investigate the cattle and beef industry following concerns that beef processors hold excessive power following industry consolidation around Australia.

The soaring Australian dollar has the Reserve Bank on high alert, with the governor ramping up his rhetoric about its recent rise.

Wesfarmers has confirmed it is investigating accusations that supplier rebates may have artificially inflated Target's earnings.

Singapore Airlines could face a battle from a Chinese competitor if it wants Air New Zealand's cornerstone stake in Virgin Australia, according to analysts.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

Gold has fallen after strong US economic data boosted investor risk sentiment and a top US Federal Reserve official said an interest rate rise is likely ahead of the market's current expectations due to fading economic concerns.

The Australian dollar has dipped towards 76 US cents on the back of low oil prices and weak retail sales data.

US stocks have ended weaker, pulling back from a recent rally that took them to new 2016 highs, as losses in commodity-related and industrial shares offset gains in healthcare.

Australia's fledgling medicinal cannabis market continues to gain momentum, with MGC Pharmaceuticals planning an entry.

A mixed performance from the banks and losses among the resource stocks have pushed the Australian share market slightly lower.

Telecom operator Optus plans to slash up to 480 jobs as part of a restructure.

Cottesloe-based Quickflix plans to cut staff, reduce directors' pay, and close offices in Sydney and Auckland in an effort to turn around the troubled streaming service.

The competition regulator has flagged a fresh review of the $9.05 billion takeover of rail and ports giant Asciano and is examining whether the new cross-ownership deal will lead to any common financial interest among the suitors.

The Australian share market has opened flat.

Gold has fallen more than one per cent after US March payrolls data beat expectations, allaying some fears about the US economy and stoking speculation about the timing of likely interest rate rises by the Federal Reserve.

The Australian dollar has recovered from weekend losses spurred by stronger US labour force figures and weaker oil prices.

The Australian share market has been dragged down by banking, utilities and energy stocks.

The Reserve Bank is likely to hold the cash rate this month, but the soaring Australian dollar is becoming a concern.