AAP

BC Iron is cutting more workers and contractors at its Nullagine project after its joint venture partner Fortescue Metals Group decided to not buy low-grade iron ore stockpiled at the mine.

BHP Billiton says it remains committed to maintaining its strong balance sheet through the commodities downturn, after ratings agency Moody's downgraded its rating for the global miner.

The Australian share market has opened firmer for a fourth straight session, despite some caution from investors.

Wall Street has moved higher, adding momentum to a recent recovery as the energy and financial sectors break into positive territory for 2016. 

Gold has risen back towards $1,260 an ounce, coming within a hair of a 13-month high as the US dollar heads toward its biggest one-day tumble in a month after US data fuelled worries over Friday's US payrolls data.

The Australian dollar is refusing to roll over, soaring to a three-month high on the back of disappointing US economic figures.

The Australian share market has finished its third straight session of strong gains, led higher by the nation's big resources companies and banks.

BHP Billiton has agreed to a settlement with Brazilian authorities over the Samarco dam disaster worth at least $US2.4 billion ($A3.15 billion)

The Australian share market is higher, following on from two days of gains, after another positive lead from US markets.

Energy and bank stocks have led Wall Street higher, adding to a rally in the previous session, after strong jobs data dispelled concerns over the health of the US economy.

Gold has rebounded as the US dollar turned lower, shrugging off a turn higher in global shares and better-than-expected US economic data.

The Australian dollar has become the best performing currency overnight and is now targeting 73 US cents after surprisingly positive growth data.

The Australian share market has bounced back above 5,000 points, driven by the big four banks and energy companies.

Private health insurers will increase their premiums by more than 5 per cent within weeks after winning approval from Health Minister Sussan Ley.

Ratings agency Moody's has cut supermarket giant Woolworths' credit rating by one notch.

Australia is close to the top of the leader board of advanced economies after unexpectedly posting GDP growth of 3 per cent in 2015.

The Australian share market has opened higher off the back of a strong performance on Wall Street overnight.The Dow Jones rose 2.11 per cent and the S&P 500 surged 2.39 per cent.

Wall Street has enjoyed its strongest session in a month, led by financial and technology stocks after encouraging US factory and construction data suggested the world's biggest economy was regaining momentum.

The Australian dollar has jumped as optimism reigned overnight, boosting commodity currencies. 

Gold has turned lower, as the US dollar and global equity markets rose on better-than-expected US data, fueling speculation the Fed will raise US interest rates. 

Stronger commodities prices have driven the Australian share market higher, with large gains among the big miners and energy players.

BHP Billiton says it is not keen on boosting iron ore supplies in a weak market, signalling a change in its long-held position, as it shifts focus to maintaining financial discipline.

Energy giant Woodside Petroleum is expected to delay a long-awaited decision on its multi-billion dollar Browse project until oil prices recover.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the cash rate unchanged at a record low of 2 per cent for an 11th straight month.

The Australian share market has turned higher in early trade after a weak lead from Wall Street with resource and energy stocks rallying on a rise in oil prices.

Wall Street has closed lower, falling out of lockstep with oil prices as energy and healthcare shares lost ground.

The Australian dollar is treading water as markets await the Reserve Bank's board meeting, where interest rates are expected to remain on hold.

Gold has risen one per cent, boosted by lower equities and weak US data, leaving the metal well placed to log its best monthly performance in four years as turmoil in wider markets increases its safe-haven appeal.

The Australian share market closed flat after the banks lost most of their early gains as China's Shanghai Composite fell more than 3 per cent.

Slater & Gordon has two months to convince its lenders that it has come to grips with the problems that led to a first-half loss of almost $1 billion.

Australia's largest payday lender, Perth-based Cash Converters International, has returned to the black and begun scaling back its troubled business in Britain.

The Australian share market has opened stronger on the last day of reporting season with most sectors higher.