AAP

The Australian share market is lower as weak Chinese trade data cancels out any optimism from a very strong US employment report.

The Australian dollar has plunged to a one-month low after strong US employment figures increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve will increase its interest rate in December.

Gold has fallen to a three-month low and set to post its biggest weekly drop in more than two years after US data shows job growth surged in October, making it likely the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in December.

The Australian share market has closed slightly higher as investors await key jobs figures in the US which are likely to influence whether the US Federal Reserve lifts interest rates in December.

Evolution Mining appears close to finalising a protracted takeover bid for smaller rival Phoenix Gold, with both companies announcing their boards had reached an agreement after Evolution increased the cash component of its offer.

Canada's Brookfield Infrastructure is determined to take over ports and rail operator Asciano despite Australian logistics firm Qube Holdings having a 19.99 per cent blocking stake in the target.

The Australian share market has opened higher, before flattening out in early trade as the banks offset losses in the minerals sector.

US stocks have drifted lower on the eve of the highly anticipated jobs report, seen as a litmus test for a Federal Reserve increase in interest rates.685

US stocks have drifted lower on the eve of the highly anticipated jobs report, seen as a litmus test for a Federal Reserve increase in interest rates.685

Gold has fallen to a seven-week low as the US dollar hit a three-month high, and looks vulnerable to further losses after Federal Reserve officials left the door open to a US interest rate rise in December.

The Australian dollar is treading water ahead of crucial US employment data.

Oil prices have slipped for a second straight day as traders worry about abundant supplies and a dollar made stronger by Federal Reserve hints of a hike in interest rates.

House prices in Perth's most exclusive suburbs have plunged by as much as 30 per cent in the past year as the mining downturn continues to bite.

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens has pointedly refused to endorse the decision by the banks to protect their profits by jacking up home loan rates.

The Australian share market has closed lower, weighed down by the big banks as National Australia Bank traded ex-dividend.

Mining giant Rio Tinto says it will not curtail iron ore production to deal with weak prices and subdued steel demand in China.

The competition watchdog has given the go-ahead for Vocus Communications to merge with M2 Group in a $3 billion deal that will create Australia's fourth largest telco.

The Australian share market has opened lower after lacklustre leads from overseas markets and the National Australia Bank trading ex-dividend.

Gold has fallen to a one-month low, dropping for the sixth straight session as the US dollar shot to a three-month high after US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen raised expectations for a December interest rate increase.

The Australian dollar has softened against the greenback, which rose after the head of the US Federal Reserve endorsed an imminent interest rate tightening bias.

World oil prices sank Wednesday on rising US commercial crude inventories and production and a Federal Reserve-driven stronger dollar.

Wall Street stocks have dropped after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the US central bank could lift interest rates in December.

Labor's candidate for the new West Australian federal seat of Burt has hinted the party's policy of a national interest test for gas exports will form a key plank of his election campaign.

Premier Colin Barnett says the state won't be rushed into making a decision on stage two of the controversial Perth Freight Link, despite federal funding hinging on work being under way next year.

Australians should receive tax breaks if they are made to set up savings accounts to help cover some healthcare bills, private health insurer nib says.

More than 120,000 new workers will be needed in the national tourism industry over the next five years, according to Austrade and Deloitte.

The Australian share market has closed slightly higher, buoyed by the big miners.

Macmahon Holdings was hit with large protest vote at today's annual general meeting, after major shareholder CIMIC Group surprised the mining services firm with a large 'no' vote.

Engineering group Downer expects to achieve its 2015-16 profit guidance of $190 million despite a continuing decline in mining-related capex by customers.

The Australian share market has opened more than one per cent higher, boosted by positive leads from markets overseas and a positive outlook for the Australian economy.

The Australian dollar has edged higher after the Reserve Bank left interest rates unchanged but hinted it might be tempted to make a cut soon.

Wall Street stocks rose for the second straight session, led by resurgent oil shares and retailers after a pair of US clothing chains raised their earnings forecasts.