AAP

The Australian dollar has fared well overnight despite global oil prices and equities struggling, as the Reserve Bank's policy meeting looms.

Gold has risen to a three-month high, extending its recent rally on worries about global economic growth and hopes for easier monetary policy after weak factory data in Asia and Europe.

The Australian share market has ended the trading session higher, buoyed by gains across the board.

Woodside Petroleum says its recently flagged write-downs of up to $US1.2 billion ($A1.7 billion) had taken into account possible delays at the Wheatstone LNG project near Onslow.

Uber's ride-sharing service is delivering benefits of more than $80 million to Australian consumers as users flock to the new and cheaper travel service.

The Australian share market has shot out off the blocks in early trade on Monday, boosted by gains on Wall Street and a continuing recovery in oil prices.

The Australian dollar has slipped after Japan took its interest rate into negative territory and warned it would cut further if necessary.

Gold has edged higher following data showing US economic growth braked sharply in the fourth quarter and the price of the precious metal was on track for its biggest monthly rise in a year after global economic headwinds hit riskier assets.

Premier Colin Barnett and Planning Minister John Day have officially opened Elizabeth Quay after decades of discussion and debate.

The Australian share market has raced home on a high note after enduring a fitful session of ups and downs.

The Reserve Bank is unlikely to budge from its neutral interest rate stance next week, but it may ramp its easing bias up a notch.

Perth-based miner Atlas Iron boosted shipments and trimmed costs in the December quarter, as iron ore prices weakened.

The Australian share market has got off to a firm start, led by gains in resources and energy stocks.

Crude oil prices have risen to their highest in three weeks on hopes for a pact among oil producers to cut output, while the US dollar slipped on bets that interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve would be more gradual than it has suggested.

The Australian dollar has gathered steam as commodities rebound and the greenback weakens.

Gold has fallen one per cent, pressured by earlier strength in equity markets on the back of a rally in oil prices, with bullion investors quick to cash in gains from the Wednesday's rally to 12-week highs.

Wall Street has climbed as a blockbuster quarterly report from Facebook drove tech shares higher and a bounce in oil prices propped up the beleaguered energy sector.

M2 Group's $3.75 billion merger with rival Vocus Communications has been approved by shareholders, creating Australia's fourth biggest telco.

Retail giant Woolworths has been ordered to pay more than $11 million to a Victorian property developer for breaking a contract for the construction of a Masters hardware store.

The Australian share market has recovered from a negative start to gain ground, led by energy and mining stocks.

Vessels are being evacuated from the port at Port Hedland as a tropical low tracks towards the coast of Western Australia.

After five consecutive years at the top of Forbes Australia's rich list, mining magnate Gina Rinehart is no longer Australia's wealthiest person.

The Samarco mine in the southeastern city of Mariana, where last November a huge toxic waste spill caused Brazil's worst environmental disaster, has had a new spill although no victims have been reported, the company says.

A consortium led by logistics group QUBE Holdings has made a binding takeover proposal for rail and ports operator Asciano, hoping to trump a rival offer from a group led by Canadian predator Brookfield Infrastructure.

The Australian share market has opened slightly lower, hurt by financial stocks following falls on Wall Street.

Wall Street dropped sharply after the US Federal Reserve frustrated stock investors hoping for a strong sign it might scale back future interest rate hikes because of recent financial and economic turmoil.

The Australian dollar is being dragged lower following dovish comments from the US Federal Reserve after it left interest rates on hold.

Gold has turned positive and has risen to a 12-week high, after the US Federal Reserve said it was "closely monitoring" global economic and financial developments, and held interest rates steady as expected.

Australian stocks snapped a three-day winning streak on Wednesday as investors retreated on further falls in oil prices and the Chinese market.

The Australian dollar jumped on the latest inflation figures, but that knee-jerk reaction doesn't tell the real story.

Gold miner Evolution Mining has lifted its full-year production guidance after strong output from recently acquired mines took production to record levels.

Rio Tinto has agreed to sell its Mount Pleasant thermal coal mine site in the NSW Hunter Valley for $US224 million ($A319 million) plus royalties.