AAP

The Australian share market has opened sharply lower after another tumultuous trading session in the UK, Europe and the US following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

The Australian dollar has fallen sharply following the devaluation of the Chinese yuan and Britain's ratings downgrade.

Copper has risen as funds and traders reversed short-term bets of lower prices on expectations of economic stimulus, while a stronger US dollar knocked the price of other metals.

The Australian share market has regained some of Friday's big losses caused by Britain's exit from the European Union, but market observers still think there's more carnage to come from Brexit.

Rail and ports operator Asciano will sell its 50 per cent stake in the ACFS port logistics business to its joint venture partner in an effort to remove the overhang on its $9.05 billion takeover.

BHP Billiton will focus on copper and oil as it boosts exploration spending in the coming financial year despite cutting its total capital expenditure.

Spray-on skin technology provider Avita Medical has won a contract extension aimed at helping a US biomedical research organisation prepare for treating burns from a nuclear explosion.

Macmahon Holdings won't reveal if it paid a ransom to secure the release of three Australians and a New Zealander kidnapped in Nigeria.

The Australian share market has opened lower, extending its losses in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Cool heads are required as Australian markets prepare for a second day of fallout from the UK's decision to leave the European Union, Treasurer Scott Morrison advises.

The Australian dollar has recovered some ground after Friday's volatile session, as the dust settles from the unexpected Brexit vote.

The Australian dollar gold price hit an all-time record of $1,826 an ounce today after Britain elected to leave the European Union, with shares in local gold miners rallying strongly even though the broader stock market tumbled more than 3 per cent.

Lithium is one sector of the mining industry that is charging ahead, according to share market entrant Lithium Power International.

Nigerian kidnappers who captured three Australians and a New Zealander after a deadly attack on mine workers have made no demands.

The Australian share market has opened higher despite confidence that Britain will remain part of the European Union being shaken by early results from the country's referendum.

Global share markets are rallying while safe-haven debt is wilting in Asia after polls suggest Britain has voted to remain in the European Union, removing the latest threat to the future of the bloc and its single currency.

RBA warning on BrexitThe nation's most senior financial officials have briefed both major parties on the consequences of a British exit from the European Union as

A senior ANZ executive denies putting Indian businessman Pankaj Oswal in a headlock or threatening his wife that she too could end up in jail for fraud, a trial has heard.

The share market has edged higher, with investors reluctant to make significant moves as Britain votes on its future in the European Union.

The prospect of a catastrophic bushfire in Western Australia is increasingly likely without greater investment in prevention and fuel hazard management, a parliamentary inquiry has concluded.

Telstra is branching out into the resources sector, hiring two mining experts and buying a mining communications services business from Brisbane-based CBO Telecommunications.

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.