AAP

Wall Street stocks have fallen sharply on a strengthening US dollar despite news of Charter Communication's $US78.7 billion ($A100.6 billion) deal to buy Time Warner Cable.

World oil prices have fallen as traders mostly took their cue from the rebounding US dollar and output remained strong, dealers say.

The share market has strung together its longest winning streak in almost four months as a rising iron ore price boosted the mining sector.

It will be cold consolation right now for Mick Malthouse, but history will not remember him for the ugly nature of his departure from Carlton.

The head of institutional banking at Westpac is leaving after almost 30 years with the company and will be replaced by one of Commonwealth Bank of Australia's most experienced executives.

Energy provider AGL has unveiled plans to sell off more than $1 billion worth of assets and cut costs by $200 million within two years, sending its share price to its highest level in eight years.

Fortescue Metals Group shares have surged more than 10 per cent on Chinese whispers of a major foreign buy-in and a lift in the iron ore price.

Ride sharing service Uber is facing increased regulatory battles, with the WA government prosecuting more drivers and the Queensland government moving to protect the taxi industry, which Uber describes as a protected monopoly market.

The Australian share market has opened higher, helped by gains in banking and mining stocks.

Gold prices rose sightly on Monday, even as the dollar gained traction against major currency rivals on signs the US Federal Reserve is preparing to tighten monetary policy for the first time in six years in 2015.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after a quiet night of trade with Wall Street and most European markets closed for public holidays.

Investment bank Credit Suisse is forecasting a flat 12 months for Australian stocks as the resources sector and the big four banks weigh on the market.

The share market has enjoyed its strongest gain in a month as bargain hunters moved in and merger and acquisition activity stirred investor interest.

Evolution Mining has snared the Cowal gold mine in central NSW for $US550 million ($A702.74 million).

Shares in workplace provider Skilled Group have jumped 12 per cent after it announced it was in merger talks with rival Programmed Maintenance Services.

Gold, nickel, zinc and copper producer Independence Group has struck a $1.8 billion deal to acquire Sirius Resources.

The Australian dollar is lower following the release of strong US inflation figures and falls in commodity prices.

Gold prices have eased after US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said she expected an interest rate hike this year.

The Australian share market has closed flat, with a lacklustre performance from the big banks dragging on the broader market.

Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says Brazilian iron ore giant Vale is a responsible producer, on the same day that Roy Hill Holdings chief executive Barry Fitzgerald warned about the impact of Vale’s rapid expansion.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says she was advised she did not need to disclose her acceptance of $16,000 worth of flights, accommodation and Olympics tickets from BHP Billiton.

The prime minister is being urged to repair the damage after the federal government let speculation linger on the possibility of an iron ore inquiry.

The share market has opened higher, driven by the mining and energy sectors.

Gold fell as the US dollar cut losses on economic data that showed growing economic momentum, but support came from signs the Federal Reserve was unlikely to raise interest rates in June.

The S&P 500 has finished at a new record following strong earnings from Best Buy and news that CVS Health would acquire senior pharmacy services company Omnicare for $US12.7 billion ($A16.13 billion).

The Australian dollar is relatively steady after a quiet night of trade on currency markets.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has ruled out the federal government initiating an inquiry into iron ore, just one week after Prime Minister Tony Abbott backed the idea.

The Australian share market has closed higher as bargain hunters piled into most of the major banks, and the big miners found support from investors betting on further economic stimulus measures in China.

A tunnel could be an easy alternative to save dozens of homes from being demolished to make way for the Perth Freight Link, the premier says.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has been hit with a $US25 million fine for violating a bribery law by treating foreign officials to trips to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Film and TV streaming service Quickflix has raised $775,000 from investors as it strives to compete with new competitors like Netflix.

The share market has opened higher due to strength in the healthcare and industrial sectors.