AAP

Oil prices were little changed as traders tried to decipher remarks by Saudi Arabia suggesting a production cutback in response to abundant global supplies.

Gold has fallen one per cent, nearing last week's 2010 low on a robust US dollar and upbeat comments from Federal Reserve officials on a possible US rate rise in December.

The Australian share market has closed higher as investors continued to gain confidence despite more weakness in the resources sector.

Woolworths shares have jumped amid speculation two global private equity giants may be considering a joint bid for the retail giant's Big W chain.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

The Australian dollar is higher, getting support from expectations that the Reserve Bank won't be cutting the cash rate.

Oil prices are slightly higher, despite a market burdened by a persistent oversupply of crude.

Gold have turned lower, ending a two-day bounce up from the lowest level in nearly six years, on the firm US dollar and comments from a Federal Reserve policy maker who said the US central bank should "soon" be ready to raise interest rates.

After strong gains throughout the week, investors have calmed, with the bourse closing only slightly higher on Friday.

The Australian share market has opened flat.

Tech companies Square and Match have surged in their first day of trade, but US stocks ended slightly lower following a profit warning from Dow member UnitedHealth Group.

The Australian dollar has extended its gains against the greenback, which softened after the US central bank stressed rate rises would come gradually.

US oil prices have dipped to finish near $US40 a barrel as worries about oversupply continued to weigh on the commodity.

Gold has risen one per cent, rebounding from near six-year lows as indications from the US Federal Reserve that it may move cautiously into the rate hiking cycle weighed on the US dollar and prompted investors to cover short positions.

The Australian share market has closed 2 per cent higher as the banks and minerals sectors boosted the bourse.

Treasurer Scott Morrison is willing to consider any new applications to buy Australia's largest private landowner after knocking back the foreign acquisition of S Kidman and Co Ltd on national interest grounds.

Global miner BHP Billiton has committed to its progressive dividend as it counts the cost of the Brazilian mine disaster, which left 11 people dead.

The competition watchdog has cleared oil and gas giant Shell's proposed $70 billion takeover of rival BG Group, saying it will not substantially alter the domestic natural gas market.

Programmed Maintenance Services has announced the retirement of one of its founders and the addition of a new director, while also outlining the new structure of the business following its acquisition of Skilled Group earlier this year.

The Australian share market has opened higher after Wall Street rallied on indications from the Federal Reserve that rates will be raised in December.

The Australian dollar has been weighed down by a slump in global oil prices.

Wall Street stocks have marched higher, greeting Federal Reserve meeting minutes that suggest a likely interest rate increase in December based on greater confidence in the economy.

Gold prices have inched higher after tapping a nearly six-year low as the market reacted to the minutes of a recent US Federal Reserve meeting that gave mixed signals about a possible rate rise in December.

Global oil prices have moved modestly higher as traders weighed a small gain in US inventories and a Federal Reserve report that supported expectations of a December interest rate rise.

Labor senator Sam Dastyari has accused oil and gas multinational Chevron of being the "biggest tax dodger" in Australia.

The Australian share market has closed higher despite a poor start as investors bought into the major banks.

South 32 chief executive Graham Kerr said the company expected to achieve its targeted operations savings this year, while it announced it would keep South African production at its jointly owned Samancor venture in suspension pending a strategic review.

Wages growth is grinding along at its slowest pace in nearly two decades but a rebound in employment is tipped to help offset this next year.

Explosives maker Orica has flagged improving earnings for this financial year after posting a $1.27 billion full-year loss due to a huge asset writedown.

The Australian share market has opened lower after a bomb threat in Germany prompted a reversal of fortunes on Wall Street and rattled investors.

Retail giants Walmart and Home Depot jumped on solid earnings but the broader market finished little changed after a choppy session.

The Australian dollar is firmly back above 71 US cents after it got a boost from some stronger US inflation figures.