AAP

Transfield Services' contract to run the Nauru and Manus Island offshore detention centres is expected to be renewed for another five years.

Mobile home and recreational vehicle supplier Fleetwood Corporation has suffered a fall in underlying annual profit amid problems with its caravans business.

The Australian share market has closed 1 per cent lower as investors fretted over the possibility the US Federal Reserve could soon raise interest rates.

Mining services group Bradken has decided against a merger with Chile's Magotteaux Group, preferring to focus on a restructuring program it says is largely complete.

The Australian share market has opened more than one per cent lower.

The Australian dollar has lost ground as rising US rate hike expectations offset upbeat risk sentiment.

Gold has risen as technical indicators and suggestions the US central bank may delay a rate rise provided support, but the metal was still on track to post its biggest weekly drop in five weeks amid US dollar strength and strong US economic data.

The Australian Share market has finished in the black thanks to positive global leads and higher oil prices.

A $23 million law suit settlement and a massive UK restructure have plunged Cash Converters to a $21.7 million annual loss.

Woolworths chairman Ralph Waters will step down after the supermarket giant suffered a 12.5 per cent slide in its full-year profit.

The Australian share market has opened more than one per cent higher.

US stocks have posted big gains for the second straight session as strong American economic data extended a global rally that began with a surge in beaten-down Chinese equities.

The Australian dollar has rebounded as commodity prices firm and risk appetite increases on international markets.

US oil prices have surged more than 10 per cent, climbing back above $US40 ($A56.25) a barrel after strong American economic growth data lifted confidence about the world's biggest economy and petroleum user.

Gold has eased, and is headed for its biggest weekly rout since March, as upbeat US growth and jobs data drive up stocks and the US dollar, though uncertainty over the timing of a Federal Reserve rate rise held losses in check.

News, current affairs, reality shows and live sport.That's what you can expect to dominate free-to-air TV as the networks battle for a dwindling advertising dollar.

A rebound in key overseas markets has helped push the Australian share market more than 1 per cent higher.

Shares in building products supplier Boral have tumbled after the company lifted its annual profit by nearly 50 per cent but delivered a flat outlook.

Diversified firm Transfield Services expects underlying earnings to remain flat but without a repeat of the one-off costs that hit this year's bottom line.

The Australian share market is almost 1.5 per cent higher, following Wall Street's three per cent gains, a sign traders are shrugging off recent volatility.

Gold prices slipped two per cent on Wednesday as the dollar gained and US stocks advanced, while investors kept a close eye on China's efforts to support its economy.

Oil prices have dipped after US petroleum data showed lower crude-oil inventories but barely any decline in production despite sinking prices.

US stocks have surged, snapping a six-day losing streak prompted by a big pullback in Chinese equities that has roiled global markets.

The Australian dollar has gained ground after a rocky night in which the greenback bolstered on solid US economic data.

Property developer Cedar Woods Properties expects to maintain its record profit after shrugging off disappointing sales in key mining town projects.

The share market has followed other Asian markets higher as investors continue to take advantage of bargains created by Monday's huge fall.

Engineering construction giant WorleyParsons has swung into the red with a $54.9 million full-year loss.

Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings fears its earnings could fall 10 per cent in the year ahead, with trading conditions in the resources sector still challenging.

Australian shares are lower as uncertainty around overseas markets continues to trouble local investors.

Oil prices have recovered some lost ground after a sharp fall sparked by worries about China's faltering economy, the world's largest energy consumer.

US stocks have finished lower for the sixth straight session, with the Dow posting another triple-digit decline after a morning rally fizzled.

The Australian dollar has been dragged down as traders remain cautious about how far China's stockmarket will unwind.